In this article I want to explore the possibiltity, comparing certain continuities in both our political cultures. To do so, I have choosen two concepts which I consider to be important for understanding the differences between our countries. The first is in Portuguese compromisso, in Dutch compromis. With us it is the keyword in our system of institutionalized negotiations and an expression of our sociabilty. In Brazil the word is much more colloquial and individual. The second term is conscience: in Holland we speak of a clean conscience, while the Brazilian politician uses a quiet conscience (consciência tranqüila). With us it is a conscience without any stain before God and as to one’s own individual principles. In Brazil it is much more an expression of embeddedness in the web of social relations.
Political culture; national identity; collective memory