We`re Growing Up As Patriots

SVEIN FLYGARI JOHANSEN
Oslo
Text in agar.
(Agar is a growthmedium for bacteria, fungie and mould.
The bacteria is in this case infused naturally through working with the piece.)

What is patriotism? Is it love of one’s birthplace, the place of childhood’s recollections and hopes, dreams and aspirations? Is it the place where, in childlike naivete, we would watch the passing clouds, and wonder why we, too, could not float so swiftly? The place where we would count the milliard glittering stars, terror-stricken lest each one «an eye should be,» piercing the very depths of our little souls? Is it the place where we would listen to the music of the birds and long to have wings to fly, even as they, to distant lands? Or is it the place where we would sit on Mother’s knee, enraptured by tales of great deeds and conquests? In short, is it love for the spot, every inch representing dear and precious recollections of a happy, joyous and playful childhood?
“What Is Patriotism?” by Emma Goldman
1908, San Francisco, California

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