Quote:
Originally Posted by The Yen Man
But if you think about it, national pride itself is basically artificial. What financial benefit do we derive from national pride? Nothing. Its just there to make us feel good. And for better or worse, the majority of Canadians just don't think winning at the Olympics makes them feel good enough to dish out more money to acheive it.
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I'd hold pretty much the opposite approach: financial benefit is basically artificial until it's turned into tangible things that increase one's happiness or quality of life; a strong feeling of national pride is more tangible and real to me than a $20 million payment on the federal debt. At both a personal and national level, focusing on the singular goal of paying down debt and saving money does not improve your quality of life or make you happier. I'm not advocating fiscal irresponsibility here, but there needs to be a balance; national pride isn't artificial any more than happiness is artificial, and when I pay taxes, I want national pride along with infrastructure, health and security, as all these things play a roll in my happiness.