Once a magnificent palace, now lies in ruins. Ruined not because of a freak earthquake, a megaflood, or a typhoon. Instead, it was ruined by colonial powers. Such a disaster. Some cultures / countries have such destructive and colonial mindset built into their DNAs. No matter which country you are from, always remember: 1. Never let your country become weak. Play a positive role in defending your nation. 2. If your country is strong, never participate in offensive bullying.
I like your balanced advice, especially items 1 & 2. It's like a double-edged sword that can cut both ways. With cursory reading, one can easily agree with your "wisdom". However, upon deeper reflection: advice no.1 becomes problematic when nations embrace the doctrine of "offense is the best defense". Citizens can be patriotic and loyal in playing a positive role of defending their nation but becomes debatable when they're blinded by nationalism and/or brainwashed by propaganda to participate in their nations' offensive bullying, in the belief that it's ultimately for self-defense. As for your advice no.2, how peaceful and harmonious the world will be if greater / stronger powers listen to you. But for many, "might is right". Besides the animal kingdom, such predatory instincts manifests in all forms of bullying; in families, in schools, on the streets, in the air among cabin crew, international relations, etc. In this sense, destructive and colonial (exploitative) mindset are not the exclusive monopoly of some cultures / countries; lest they be demonized, as some have been. It's innate in our fallen human nature.
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