American actor Richard Dreyfuss, who is well-known for his parts in movies like "Close Encounters of the Third Kind," frequently discusses the value of sincere and significant patriotism. He underlined in one of his speeches or interviews that genuine patriotism must be based on sincere commitment and practical acts rather than being merely a catchphrase or sentimental attachment.
According to Dreyfuss, cultivating this type of genuine patriotism requires time and work. It's similar to caring for a plant; if you don't water the seed every day and tend to its growth over several seasons, you can't expect a flower to bloom right away. Similarly, it takes time and consistent education across generations to create a society where people comprehend and exhibit true patriotism.
Instead of merely reciting facts or waving flags, he proposes that it begins with teaching young people about their nation's history, values, and responsibilities in a way that speaks to them on a deep level. This process entails fostering an atmosphere where tradition and critical thinking are respected, encouraging active engagement in civic responsibilities and community service, and involving citizens in meaningful conversations about what it means to be patriotic in the modern world.
Dreyfuss hopes that a new generation will emerge with a stronger sense of connection and commitment to their country by establishing these values early on and continuing to foster them as children grow into adults. The goal of this strategy is to turn token acts of patriotism into sincere, powerful, and action-based displays of love for one's nation.
Through his advocacy, Richard Dreyfuss aims to develop more thoughtful and involved citizens by challenging people to consider what it means to be patriotic.