Its contradicting. Nationalism as an individual is stupid especially if you are individual successful. You don't need to cling onto the achievements of others coz they are the same race or countrymen since your own achievements speak for themselves.
But at the same time without nationalism or rather in-group protection, your tribe is not united and will be fucked over by another tribe that is united.
So I guess the point is only lower people need nationalism while the higher people just use it for their own benefits?