Acharya Prashant explains that a nation is typically defined by shared characteristics like race, language, or religion, but such foundations are inherently divisive and toxic because they rely on the concept of 'man versus man.' When nationalism is based on differences, it leads to the creation of outsiders and enemies, often resulting in violence and discord. He points out that the ego thrives on these boundaries and divisions, and most historical forms of nationalism are merely extensions of the ego. To move beyond this, he proposes a virtuous and enlightened nationalism founded on what unites humanity rather than what separates it. This unifying principle is found in the borderless self, or atma, as described in Vedanta. Acharya Prashant argues that the true purpose of a nation should be the inner liberation and spiritual upliftment of its citizens. Instead of a state that exists to resist or quarrel with others, a noble nation should be a collective effort to eliminate human suffering by dissolving the ego. He emphasizes that political structures, the judiciary, and the media should all function with the ultimate goal of individual freedom from the bondages of the self. He redefines the concept of 'Bharat' or the real India as a transcendental idea rather than a mere geographical location. According to him, a true Indian is someone who possesses the courage to investigate the nature of life, the self, and death with the aim of achieving liberation. He warns against indoctrinating the youth with sectarian or militant ideologies, suggesting instead that they be taught a nationalism based on understanding and the realization of underlying oneness. Only a nationalism that takes an individual inward and seeks to end the suffering of mankind is worthy of survival.