In "Paris to the Moon," Adam Gopnik discusses the dynamics of nationalism and its inclination to devolve into petty grievances and divisive rhetoric. He illustrates how, as nationalism intensifies, it often leads to a deterioration of civil discourse, reducing complex societal issues to simplistic and often unpleasant conflicts. The phrase "The logic of nationalism always flows downhill, toward the gutter" encapsulates this troubling trend, emphasizing how high-minded ideals can become distorted into lowly, exclusionary sentiments. Gopnik's reflections suggest that nationalism, when unchecked, can hinder the progress of society by fostering an environment where anger and fear thrive. Rather than uniting people under shared values, it can drive them apart, leading to intolerance and hostility. Ultimately, he encourages readers to be cautious of such movements and to seek more inclusive and constructive ways to foster community and identity, steering clear of the negative descent he describes.

In "Paris to the Moon," Adam Gopnik discusses the dynamics of nationalism and its inclination to devolve into petty grievances and divisive rhetoric. He illustrates how, as nationalism intensifies, it often leads to a deterioration of civil discourse, reducing complex societal issues to simplistic and often unpleasant conflicts. The phrase "The logic of nationalism always flows downhill, toward the gutter" encapsulates this troubling trend, emphasizing how high-minded ideals can become distorted into lowly, exclusionary sentiments.

Gopnik's reflections suggest that nationalism, when unchecked, can hinder the progress of society by fostering an environment where anger and fear thrive. Rather than uniting people under shared values, it can drive them apart, leading to intolerance and hostility. Ultimately, he encourages readers to be cautious of such movements and to seek more inclusive and constructive ways to foster community and identity, steering clear of the negative descent he describes.