Its by means of exploiting our imprudent tribalism that Dane and Norman and Saxon gained a foothold for conquest in the life of our nation. We have, it seems, always prized our private battles with one with each other more than the prize of the peace and freedom we might otherwise enjoy together. What has been true of our history is true today of the present state of Irish and Irish-American affairs. Just as factions threaten the peace process in Ireland, so here within and between our own organizations, do factionalism and personal differences sap our charitable powers as Hibernians in our promotion of a truly Celtic and Christian life. There is a logical progression in the three principles of our order.
Unity is aimed at the notion of the common project, and is marked by the notion of shared interest.
Unity is eminently practical and necessary for any common task, whether at home or at work, when two or more people come together to set aside private interest for the benefit derived from their work together. The weakness of the principle of unity is seen when self-interest at last overrides commitment to the common project, as the private interests of the members gradually draw them away from their the original commitment. A project motivated solely by common self-interest inevitably fails when other interests pull in other directions. Friendship, on the other hand, is a more powerful force that Unity by itself. Friendship rejoices in the happiness of the friend, enabling us to put aside our private interests for the sake of our friends' happiness.