Ernest Renan

Ernest Renan was a French philosopher and historian known for his influential ideas on nationalism in the 19th century. He argued that a nation is formed not just by shared ethnicity or language but by a collective consciousness and shared experiences among people. In his famous essay, "What is a Nation?", Renan emphasized that nations are shaped by a historical narrative and a mutual desire to live together. He believed in the importance of democratic participation in nationhood, highlighting that national identity evolves and is defined by the people rather than fixed attributes.