PatriotismAn egoist, according to the American Heritage Dictionary, is one who is devoted to his or her own interests and advancement. Everyone is selfish in one way or another. Even when a person commits the most selfless acts of altruism, that act usually benefits them in some way. Humanity is not, by nature, altruistic; Humanity is, by nature, self-centered. This is evident in Yukio Mishima's "Patriotism" with the main characters, Reiko and Shinji. People are selfish in the choices they often make: choosing friendship over patriotism, choosing to trust their spouse, and choosing personal freedom. The patriotism one feels for one's own country is not as strong as the bonds of friendship. A country offers security and a sense of belonging; however, in wartime, all of this is broken. Shinji's colleagues are among the insurgents. The war undoubtedly pushed these men to resort to extreme measures. Living in a country that can no longer offer the security and sense of belonging these men seek, they turn to each other. Friends provide security and belonging even in times of war. People betray their country in their daily actions, they deceive their employer, they lie to others, they cheat and steal; but we always think twice before betraying the trust of a friend. Shinji and Reiko stick to what's important, their friends. Not only do Shinji and Reiko choose their friends over their country, but they also find happiness in choosing themselves over continuing in a world in which the two could not be together. This perfect union between the two illustrates what people seek every day. Everyone is looking for their own Shinji or Reiko. This need to find a “soul mate” has given rise to books, films, songs and plays. The “boy meets girl” scenario is a part of everyone’s life. In “Patriotism,” boy met girl, and that’s part of what makes this story universally appealing. People just want someone to share their lives with.