British Empire only really accelerated in decline because of the costs of both world wars although I expect someone might challenge me on that, this gave rise to American hegemony.
I only cite British endurance because we've been close to revolution at least once and not gone over the edge because our ruling class were capable of seeing it and not doubling down.
I also think your premise is a bit flawed, British people basically invented thinking they're better than everyone else and they still do it all the time
Simultaneous belief in being better and also being able to laugh at oneselves is a stronger combination than glorygloryglory and a complete and total inability to stand even the mildest criticism or mockery. I don't really think this is just a trait of the British though, I only say the British because I have more certainty about it. I think the French are probably better at this mindset than the British, and a few european countries are. If anything the US is an exception among the western countries in its nationalism being so thin skinned.
British Empire only really accelerated in decline because of the costs of both world wars although I expect someone might challenge me on that, this gave rise to American hegemony.
I only cite British endurance because we've been close to revolution at least once and not gone over the edge because our ruling class were capable of seeing it and not doubling down.
Simultaneous belief in being better and also being able to laugh at oneselves is a stronger combination than glorygloryglory and a complete and total inability to stand even the mildest criticism or mockery. I don't really think this is just a trait of the British though, I only say the British because I have more certainty about it. I think the French are probably better at this mindset than the British, and a few european countries are. If anything the US is an exception among the western countries in its nationalism being so thin skinned.