About this book
George William Russell's The National Being: Some Thoughts on an Irish Polity probes the moral imagination behind a nation’s birth, offering a lyrical yet rigorous meditation on Irish identity and statehood. Written as Europe plunged into war and Ireland’s political future hung in the balance, Russell blends history, politics, and a poetic sensibility to interrogate what makes a people truly national beyond institutions and economics.
Part manifesto, part philosophical essay, the book traces the emergence of the Irish state in 1914, examines threats of sectarianism and social division, and argues for a polity rooted in responsibility, cultural integrity, and communal care. Russell—writing as A.E.—engages with contemporary figures and debates, contemplating how economic reform, spiritual values, and civic courage can fuse to form a resilient national life.
A classic work of history and politics, The National Being speaks to readers who want more than chronology: it offers a reflective framework for understanding nationalism, civic virtue, and the ethical foundations of government. Ideal for students of Irish history, political theory, and anyone curious about the cultural forces that shape nations, this audiobook rewards attentive listening with timeless questions about community and conscience.
