And in such times some men go further still.

They may ask not only what is the meaning of the word Austrian Empire, or Pope, but what in the nature of things is the ultimate reason why the Austrian Empire or the Papacy should exist.
The work therefore of nation-building must be carried forward on each plane.

The national name and flag and anthem and coinage all have their entirely non-logical effect based on habitual association.

Meanwhile the statesmen strive to create as much meaning as possible for such symbols.
If all the subjects of a State serve in one army and speak, or understand, one language, or even use a black-letter alphabet which has been abandoned elsewhere, the national name will mean more to them.

The Saxon or the Savoyard will have a fuller answer to give himself when he asks 'What does it mean, that I am a German or a Frenchman ?' A single successful war waged in common will create not only a common history, but a common inheritance of passionate feeling.