Acharya Prashant explains that a nation is typically defined as a group of people sharing commonalities, but the basis of these commonalities must be carefully investigated. He points out that when nationalism is founded on race, ethnicity, language, color, or creed, it becomes problematic because it is based on man versus man. Such ideologies create outsiders and enemies, leading to divisiveness and toxicity. He cites historical examples, such as Germany in the 1930s and the two-nation theory that led to the partition of India, to illustrate how nationalism based on exclusive differences leads to violent and horrible consequences. He argues that most forms of nationalism arise from the ego, which thrives on boundaries and differences. Since human beings are inherently different in terms of gender, age, wealth, and geography, any commonality found on a superficial level will always have underlying differences lurking behind it. Acharya Prashant suggests that for nationalism to be virtuous and auspicious, it must not be founded on what separates people, but on what is absolutely universal and common to all. He warns that unless nationalism is based on something beyond the ego's need for division, it will inevitably invite discord, strife, and hatred.
