premjan

I think it is possible that Israel has one or two things right that other nations don't - for instance the tribal model of nationality permits a relatively high level of solidarity and nationalism - then again watch out for stuff like Hutu-Tutsi genocides...And whatever culture makes people feel more situated and cared for is likely to make them perform better. Possibly some of the cultural accomplishment of Ashkenazi can be owed to their culture.

As for 'being chosen' this is more or less an elective psychological strategy - you can choose to consider yourself 'chosen' regardless of what any scripture says - it is just a matter of always being committed to putting yourself in a position of responsibility (on the firing line, or 'out there' as it were).