«La plus héroïque de toutes les passions»: l'amor di patria secondo Rousseau

The aim of this article is to discuss Rousseau’s concept of love of country, the political passion par excellence. Love of country is necessary for a proper functioning of politics according to Rousseau. For him, in fact, passions are essentials for the life in community. In particular, the article explores the relationship between love of country and heroism: public education, traditions and national festivities raise love of country and enhance it.