Patriotism consists not in waving the flag, but in striving that our country shall be righteous as well as strong.

Bryce contrasts performative nationalism with civic responsibility. “Waving the flag” stands for symbolic, emotional displays of loyalty, while “striving” points to sustained public effort—through politics, law, and personal conduct—to align national power with moral integrity. The pairing “righteous as well as strong” rejects the idea that strength alone justifies a nation’s actions; it implies that true patriotism includes criticism, reform, and ethical restraint, especially when a country is tempted to equate greatness with dominance. In Bryce’s liberal, constitutional outlook, love of country is proven by commitment to justice and good government, not by unreflective celebration.