The true indicator of a great nation is a long topic under debate. While some argue that scientific development, art achievements and rulers’ intelligence should be the only indicator, the opponents suggest public welfare to be the best. In this essay, I will argue for a balanced viewpoint and demonstrate the intricacy of national power with examples.
Public welfare can serve as an indicator of a nation’s economic and political power. Switzerland, known for its welfare policies, has the highest degree of citizen well-being globally. This indicates Switzerland’s strong economic capacity to support welfare initiatives and a comprehensive policy that considers all societal walks of life. However, combining national power with public welfare can be challenging. While good welfare can lead to increased productivity, it can also lead to over-supporting citizens, potentially causing them to stay home and enjoy the benefits. Therefore, public welfare can be a useful indicator of a country’s economy and policy, but not a direct measure of its power.
On the other hand, Scientists and astronomers’ achievements are crucial for a nation’s educational, cultural, and political success. The US, with its rich educational resources, is known for its contributions to fields like astronomy and physics. Harvard University and its alumni have made significant contributions to society and the world. These achievements not only represent a nation’s technological success but also its sustainability in educating young people in these fields. Artists’ achievements also symbolize the cultural nourishment of a country, fostering creativity and appreciation for art. Thus, the achievements of scientists and astronomers signify a nation’s success in education and culture.
In conclusion, the standard to assess a great country is too complex to just be simplified into one indicator. Public welfare, scientific and art achievements, as well as the competence of the rulers, are all important indicators for a country’s economy, education, technology, culture and political power. When apraising a country, we should include various criteria for a thorough analysis.