Issue 170

TOPIC: ISSUE170 - "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."

WORDS: 392 TIME: 00:50:00 DATE: 2008-3-25 14:53:44

The speaker argues that the manifestation of a great nation is the pervasive felicity of its ordinary folks, instead of prominent achievements made by their elites. However, in my comprehension great advances in politics, arts and sciences actually represent the greatness of a country; on the other hand, the general welfare of the multitudes is one of the positive outcomes aroused by the attainments made by the leaders in every realm. Therefore, I tend to disagree with the statement.

To begin with, when it comes to judge whether a country or a nation is among the first-class ones of the whole world, we may usually refer to certain parameters such as times of seizing a Nobel award, profound policies carried out by the sociopolitical leaders, and distinguished artists. Consider, for instance, the comprehensive recognition of America as a great nation by many people who are not Americans. Friends of mine frequently discussed with me, and they believe that it is the great accomplishments achieved by scientists, such as Albert Einstein, Edison, Wright brothers, and Hubble, that represent the scientific and technological research ability of America. Without the profound influence these achievements have on the American economy and on the modern world, we may not consider America as a vanguard of the world.

In the realm of the arts, a great nation is also characterized by its artistic greatness. In experience as a student, music teachers prefer to enhance our appreciation and understanding of music through explaining peculiar musicians when we discuss the subject of music history, instead of how well the masses could chant. For instance, Mozart's great and prolific composers are reckoned as an indicator of Austria. Tourists who have visited German would admit that symphonies, piano concertos and violin concertos composed by Beethoven have deeply affect their minds, and believe German is a nation that is famous for its illustrious music. In short, the great accomplishments composed by artists are indeed a symbol of a great state.

In summary, the indicator of a great nation is the very achievements attained by distinguished societal leaders, illustrious scientists and prominent artists. On the other hand, however, albeit the pervasive felicity of its masses is one of the benefits of individuals' great achievements, the general welfare of members of society is not powerful enough to be a symbol of a great nation.