Harnessing Human Nature for National Strength

Embrace the vision of Rational Nationalism—a philosophy that ignites patriotic fervor while grounding policy in empirical evidence and unwavering logic. Discover how individual rights and national duty can coexist, how disputes among well-meaning nationalists can be resolved, and how each citizen can contribute to the nation’s ascent.

In a world grappling with modern contradictions, The Rational Nationalist presents a revolutionary approach to governance. It confronts our evolutionary heritage, not by denying it, but by harnessing its energy for the collective good. The book dissects the evolutionary pressures that forged our dual nature—our cognitive prowess and primal impulses—revealing how these instincts often clash with contemporary life.

Lee Ellis offers us a framework for navigating this inherent conflict, demonstrating how to use reason to sculpt a society that leverages our strengths and mitigates our weaknesses. It explores the crucial role of law and morality as dynamic forces guiding human behavior toward optimal outcomes, and delves into the primal roots of political competition, where group identity and self-interest shape nations.

Through a historical lens, the book examines the rise of Anglo-American success, arguing that their systems, however imperfect, fostered human flourishing. The Rational Nationalist urges us to transcend conventional thinking and forge a future where our most powerful impulses propel us toward a more just and prosperous society.