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Every nation has a big ideal, for the Greeks it is Megali Idea. They want parts of the Balkans and Asia Minor and move the capital to Istanbul. When this is done, they will reach the heaven on Earth. Romanians, Bulgarians and Serbs all have their own big ideals. Britain has its colonial dreams which were spoiled a short while ago after losing which they took up the role of being Devil's advocate.
Many a Turk describes himself/herself as the descendant of the Ottomans. Germans once thought they were the übermensh (sometimes I think they still do), the beloved sons of God, their language being the first language and their culture bestowed unto them by God.
As is seen nations are like small babies, they are very selfish. Everyone of them wants to identify themselves as the best, biggest and so on. When this is not the case they begin crying. All these megali ideas are like toys for them.
I think we Turks question ourselves so much because we have not been able to become a wealthy society and there are lots of mistakes waiting to be corrected. For example, one such rough spot was the patriarchal family model which once seemed to be an inseperable part of our culture. People of my age has observed enermous developments in this and other similar problems.
Being poor is not always a bad thing. For example, Saudis will probably never realize that they have problems in their society. Because nobody criticizes rich people, nor do they themselves. For countries like Turkey changing is a necessity. What I have said about Saudi Arabia is partly true for affluent Western societies too. Futurologist predict a very gloomy future for both Europe and America.
If you claim you are in the center of the Earth, the Earth gradually slips away under your feet and you will collapse.
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