Palace To Its Original Glory example essay topic

451 words
In the late 19th century, the allied forces of 8 nations invaded our country: China, and set a big fire to the Old Summer Palace (yuan ming yuan): the symbol of our country's glory. The fire reduced the magnificent royal garden into ruins and now visitors can only see a few dilapidated pillars and thriving weeds. but nowadays, voices were heard that we should restore the palace to its original glory. Certainly, if we do so, Beijing will have the most spectacular tourist attraction over the whole country and we can proudly announce to the world that after the humble and disgraceful period of history, the sleeping lion lying in the world's east has awaken and its loud roar of resurgence will shake the earth. But why haste to exert our capital and energy since leaving the palace as it is is a much better decision?

As the saying goes: A country that forgets its history can not function in the long-run. (i can't remember exactly) we drag the history of Qing dynasty at length to educate our youth not to forget our pains and sufferings imposed by foreign imperialism in textbooks. but how many of us really take it by heart and ponder over it? Not until seeing the gloomy and helpless sight of the ruins did i understand what brute treatment our country received and what terrible things weakness and ignorance are. So we should not touch the present state of the palace but let it serve as a memorial of our sufferings and a lesson we draw form the past. One of my friend once asked me a very interesting and challenging question that is, if Britain and France offer the money to restore the palace, will I accept. the answer given was negative: No. Even if British and French government could be so kind to give such an offer (which i think impossible) out of the good will to be responsible and make it up to China, we should decline the offer. Apart from the reason that ruins can serve as a mute storyteller, it is also a matter of pride. we can forgive the nations that invaded us, but covering the wounds with skin-deep beauty by that money will just show our nearsightedness, lack of principle and lack of bravery to face the harsh past reality. in my opinion, the best way to show our country's strength lies in a powerful economy and high education level, not an ancient garden.

As far as actual strength is concerned, by the time we really achieve nation glory, any effort to trivialize our country's position will be in vain.