China Then and Now. Why?
Posted in Commentary
May. 15, 2008 at 07:35
by BrendaBee
There is an interesting Op-Ed article in the New York Times today that refers to China's stupendously advanced society that came to a sudden and terrible stop just a few centuries ago. Many looking at China of this past century are not aware of just how remarkable the ancient Chinese were. They were far ahead of any other known society in all areas of science and medicine and art. If you have never read about China's past accomplishments it is well worth your time to do so. At the very least it will bring home to you just how little we in Western Society have to brag about.But the purpose of the article today is not extol China's past glory, but to wonder why this knowledge has been cast aside in the present and by doing so is causing the kinds of disasters in the present that the ancient Chinese knew how to avoid. It refers to the current rush to build substandard infrastructure and buildings with no regard for the future, and certainly no regard for the health and safety of the population. The article asks why this is happening.
I found this question interesting because it mirrors exactly what is taking place all over the world today. Even in our own rinfancy in comparison to China we too are disregarding our past knowledge and care in building for the future and with respect for the vagaries of nature in mind when building so as to last while protecting both the earth and the people. Bridges built in the early 1900's and even before are still standing in good condition and safely being used while bridges built within the last 50 years are crumbling. Tampa, Florida's famous Skyway Bridge across Tampa Bay built in 1969 and considered to be one of the finest until it tumbled down when in 1980 a freighter collided with one of the support columns. Even more troubling is the problems that are cropping up with the replacement bridge that was supposed to have been built to last well into the next century. There seems no end to the problems found with the structure that have to be repaired.
Buildings built even two hundred or more years ago are still being used while buildings constructed just within the last ten years are being condemned as unsafe.
What is happening to allow or cause the modern mind set of ignoring the knowledge we used in the past? Why is modern society rushing towards annihilation and what will be the total destruction of any signs in the future that our time existed?
Well, anyhow I think it an interesting philosophical question to explore; perhaps on those sleepless nights. BB
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