That's not a satisfactory excuse or interpretation of the quote.
Let's say North Korea selected a few of the leading family and declared they are "members", under such circumstances would that quote imply that North Korea is the greatest nation, because all its "members" have near King-like status?
Or likewise, can a nation increase its greatness by declaring the weakest among them to be "non-members".
A non-citizen of decdes' residency, with family, business, social, community, and cultural interactions is not a member of the country[1]?
________________________________
Notes:
1. The US is technically not a nation-state, being a broad mix of numerous cultures. It is a state, or country, but not "nation". De facto of course, this is significantly modified.
