National identity and the idea of ​​civilization

Ilir Cenollari

“Short and troubled is the life of those who forget the past, bury the present, fear the future; when they reach the final moment, they realize that they have been busy all the time doing nothing. But it is too late.” Seneca (4–65 AD)

To dispel possible ambiguities regarding the argument under consideration, it is of fundamental importance to distinguish between the concept of “national identity” and the concept of “civilization.” “National identity” is the set of physical, moral and civic characteristics that a given nation has and that distinguish it from other nations.[1] These properties are: language, race, historical heritage, territorial affiliation, folk culture, social psychology, customary law, way of life, political aspirations, religion. Johan Hani emphasized that the nation (national identity) consists of the unity of language, race, customs and common origin. The basis of the unity of a country lies precisely in the national identity. Killing the identity and spirit of the nation means its annihilation.

The ways and means of killing national identity are numerous and diverse, such as the theft and manipulation of history, cultural and ethnic assimilation, the identification of religion with nationality, the destruction of national education and culture, the depersonalization, devaluation, indoctrination and demonization of the Albanian person, the incitement of internal divisions and conflicts, the decay of society and institutions, the incrimination of society, etc. Identity is not given once and for all, the process of national formation is not considered complete, it is constantly being done and remade, therefore society must show attention, dedication and wisdom. Voltaire in 1756 emphasized that peoples are distinguished from each other by their customs, character and genius.[2]

The atheistic philosophy or spirit in Europe was born precisely at the time when the continent was engulfed by religious wars between Catholicism and Lutheranism, Calvinism and Islam. It is thought that the country with the most atheists was Italy, and this has an explanation. Italian states and society at this time were immersed in mire, crimes and moral ugliness; Italian philosophers and scholars, disappointed in God, abandoned the supreme being and returned to the time of Lucretius.

Philosophy, morality, public interest, almost did not exist and their place was taken by religious wars and the fanaticism of the leaders of various parties. The Papacy lost almost half of Europe, the conflict between religious orders and fanaticism plunged Germany into civil war! Voltaire analyzed the situation of France in the 16th century, emphasizing that the lack of knowledge in state affairs cultivated superstitious practices that disgraced the Catholic religion even in the most honest people. The Calvinists, taking advantage of the abuses, errors and deviations of the Catholic religion, aroused an unjustified hatred of this religion. The exposure of the shortcomings took on greater proportions and a harsher character, as happens with all reformers.

The spirit of division overcame the spirit of society, tearing the country apart and giving it a shadow of shame. There were no distinguished families, no groups of intellectuals who would enlighten the people, no academies, no theaters. There was nothing that would flourish in the century of Louis XIV, laws, arts, society, religion, peace and war. By civilization “we understand the totality of the results that a given society has achieved in various fields of human activity, such as in the field of production, science, technology, philosophy, politics, culture, art, literature, including political and private institutions”.[3]

Kristo Frashëri emphasized: "The difference between identity and civilization is also clear from another point of view. Identity is the property of a people, it is neither given, nor taken, nor alienated. On the contrary, civilization is an achievement with open doors, it is given, taken, alienated."[4] The idea is that we must become civilized, but while preserving national identity, national morality, customs, traditions and national values. Only moral and intellectual elevation manages to reconcile these two trends or processes and not cause shocks, obstacles and delays on the path of progress. Without strong foundations there is no secure future.

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[1] Kristo Frashëri, The national identity of Albanians, page 23.

[2] Voltaire, Essay on the customs and spirit of nations (1756)

[3] Kristo Frashëri, ibid., page 23.

[4] Kristo Frashëri, ibid., page 23.