From ancient times to today, and even to the foreseeable future, human beings have always been faced with three problems.
The first issue is survival. As a military defense project during the cold weapons period, the Great Wall primarily addressed survival concerns, particularly those arising from the economic contradictions and complementary nature of farming and nomadic societies. Agricultural economies depend on fixed land cultivation, requiring farmers to engage in activities such as sowing, irrigation, and fertilization during specific seasons. In contrast, nomadic economies rely on regions with abundant water and grass, making it difficult to develop agriculture. Consequently, herders often resort to trade or plunder to obtain essential materials, such as tea, to supplement their diet.
The second issue is order. The establishment of order is the cornerstone of any society, which can be manifested in modern laws and traffic regulations. The Great Wall was not merely a military defense project; it was also a crucial tool for fostering social order. It helped farmers and nomads establish a mutual social order to restrict and safeguard each other, thus preventing chaos in a state of disorder.
The third issue is development. It is the ever-enduring theme of civilization. The Chinese civilization's continuity to the present is closely tied to its pursuit of unity. As a country with diverse ethnic groups, China's unity is deemed essential for national development. Historically, the Great Wall has played a pivotal role in promoting ethnic integration and ensuring the inheritance of civilization, contributing unique Chinese wisdom to the development of civilization. Peaceful rise is seen as a responsibility that contemporary Chinese people must bear. As a symbol of human civilization, the Great Wall embodies the wisdom and efforts of mankind on survival, order and development.
