Science on the March

Abstract

Structures of Civilization The various civilizations of mankind known to us are characterized both by remarkable similarities, stemming from the common problems of humanity in all environments, and by quite remarkable differences, related to differences in culture and environment. The differences may be of secondary importance, or they may be so important that they determine the fate of a given civilization in a major way. Except for a brief period of expansionism at the time of the Han Dynasty, coincident with the Roman era, Chinese civilization has been characterized by an introspective or isolationist character. It is true that the Chinese "discovered" Persia and the Mediterranean world, and probably even Australia, and that they entered into extensive trade with foreign regions. It is also true that China was conquered by outsiders several times and, hence, was subject to outside stimulus. Nevertheless, the indigenous culture remained essentially isolationist until the very recent past. This trait of Chinese civilization has done much to help the people preserve unity and continuity for nearly 5, 000 years. On the other hand, it has prevented them from being colonizers on any major scale. One can well imagine what the status of North and South America would be at present if the Chinese civilization had been more extroverted in the past.