Nathan Hale Loyalty

The loyalty of an individual to another individual, a country, an organization, or a variety of other things, can be very powerful, and can drive the loyal subject to do much for whatever he or she is loyal to. Loyalty is often called a positive force, and is commonly said to invoke diligence, integrity, honesty, and other positive human qualities. Loyalty can amalgamate humankind, creating great nations and civilizations. The loyalty of a man or woman to work for the greater good of others can be very positive. In excess, however, loyalty can be dangerous, as those fanatically loyal enough to other people or organizations are often willing to violate their moral and ethical standards for the person or organization they are loyal to.

Loyalty should be exercised carefully, and each individual should thoughtfully consider what he or she should invest faith and loyalty to.

When one is loyal, he or she is often willing to make personal sacrifices for others.

A famous example of this in history was Nathan Hale. Nathan lived in Britain in the 1700s, a time when the American government was struggling greatly to obtain independence from Great Britain. Hale was secretly a member of the American intelligence department, and at the risk of being killed, relayed British troop movements and strategies to the American government. When he was eventually caught in 1776, Hale famously stated before his execution, “I only regret I have but one life to give for my country”. Hale’s selfless dedication to his country ultimately helped to create a new nation of freedom, and better the lives of many people. His heroism was inspired by loyalty, and it was this that improved the lives of many. This proves that loyalty can inspire people to do selfless, positive

acts.

Loyalty is not always positive, as history can prove. In the 1940s, a massive conflict erupted in Europe. Not only were 80 million people killed in the conflict, two thirds of the Jewish population of Europe were killed in the largest genocidal act in history. This was known as World War II. One of the things that made this atrocity possible, was loyalty. Germany was the main perpetrator of World War II, and was led by a man named Adolf Hitler. Hitler was able, through propaganda and threats, make the people of his country so fanatically loyal, they were willing to kill millions of innocent people. The loyalty of the German people incited them to commit many egregious acts. Had they not developed any loyalty to Hitler, this would most definitely not have occurred, and World War II would have been avoided. This example proves that loyalty can be manipulated to be a tool of great evil.

Another example of the dual function of loyalty can be discerned in the Bible.

Jesus Christ, the son of god, walked the Earth to vindicate His Father and His Father’s work as that of love and kindness. Jesus’s unnerving loyalty to God and unwillingness to change his beliefs to accommodate those of the Romans, who opposed him, ultimately led his crucifixion. Jesus’s loyalty was strong enough to cost him his life, however, in dying, he absolved mankind of their sins and wrongdoing. According to the Bible, Jesus died for the sins of man, and became far greater after proving his devotion. Thus, this loyalty brought about both death and liberation. This biblical example demonstrates the binary nature of loyalty, and proves it can have both positive and negative

effects.

One can observe times in both history and fiction when loyalty has had many different outcomes. Through careful contemplation, one should place loyalty on a case by case basis. Moderation of loyalty is also important. When loyalty is applied to a positive person or organization, it can inspire many virtues, such as honesty, faith, and diligence. One should ensure they do not become overzealous and violate their morals out of loyalty to something or someone. One should be aware of the nature of loyalty and make educated choices about where he or she places loyalty in his or her life.