Not exactly-the average peasant etc can be very intelligent but no education,archaic-stupid social ethnic customs,a system that rewards corruption,venal disloyalty and blind adherence to old stupid things.and you get the China's century of humiliation.Also enemies like Britain and Japan have always killed off the aspiring patriots and organiziers(Nie Er etc) -look at Lebabnon now as its entire government of thieves and corrupt officials have just resigned fleeing for France and other nation secure in theirbSwiss bank accts.I know a few Lebanese and they are hard working ,pleasant folk and Beirut blast doesn't define them but the chaos now ensuing in Lebanon is a tragedy.