issue170 G-89互助社-8.3日同主体写作

whglcUID: 154108

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The surest indicator of a great nation is not the achievements of its rulers, artists, or scientists, but the general welfare of all its people.

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Examining history, which usually composes of achievements by human beings, makes us understand our nations better. It would seem, therefore, that the numerous achievements by elite in all realms would provide useful clues for researchers today to judge whether the nation they lived in was a great one or not. Although this point of view is supported in some extent, the general welfare of most people, however, also deserves studying in order to see the greatness of a country more thoroughly.

Admittedly, what the so-called elite have done made our society a splendid one, especially in the realm of inventing new things and bringing out new ideas. They provide so many facilities to people that almost everybody in a developed country would say that "I am enjoying my life everyday." The indicator of a great nation seems to be always some great people who directed others to a new direction, as illustrated by the efforts of Martin-Luther-King and his adherents, and the revolution of China by the leader of Chairman Mao. We seem to be slowly learning that only what those great people, such as rulers or scientists, have done can be seen as indicators of a great nation.

However, the overriding lesson from history about the social problems is that just concentrating on the great deeds the elite have done is never enough to see the nation clearly, and to predict the near future of the country correctly. Jews, for example, have been long thought as one of the most clever people in the world, have to leave German after Adolph Hitler powered the country because unless they escape from the great country-- at least thought like this by many Germans at that time --they would face death despite their contribution to this country. It seemed, during 1930s-1940s, by most citizens in Germany that Hitler was the greatest leader in their history and Germany was the greatest nation in the world. Today, however, by carefully investigation of the welfare of the people, we can easily point out that without a peaceful life of most citizens, including those Jews, the nation would never be a really great nation, and the strength, such as the military power, brought by some rulers would not necessarily ensure a country to be great for a long time.

In sum, while concentrating on the achievements of a nation's rulers, artists, or scientists, would predict the greatness of the nation in some extent, more often than not the lesson is that by investigate the destiny and welfare of most people of the country can we safely judge whether the nation is great or not. （436, in 53 min）