Anarcho-Primitivism Mainstreamed

What if Rousseau Was Right?

Canadian gold, Rousseau's Poland, and patria in the heart. by Paul J Cella

So the confederation of nobles that won a brief respite for Poland had become a cause célèbre in the late 18th century, and provides the backdrop in our story as Rousseau puts pen to paper. That this confederation’s purpose failed, even before Rousseau completed his work, only enhances the power of his subtle argument; for Rousseau’s purpose is to speak more broadly than the particulars of his age in Poland. His purpose concerns how a people might forge their patriotic devotion even bereft of a secure territory or state. As Kendall summarizes, “let the Poles build their republic in their own hearts, beyond the reach of foreign sword.” How this feat — which, as I say, more recent history confirms the Polish people, like few peoples on earth, have been more than equal to — might be accomplished: that is the theme of Rousseau’s Poland

Perhaps piety is possible, even if "bereft of a secure territory or state"; but one must have at least a people to which one belongs. A "proposition nation" does not produce the ties of loyalty that are needed for there to be a strong group identity that can weather disaster.