Izuchukwu Temilade Nwagbara

THE Chinese civilization is undoubtedly not a neonate, it has existed for eons and its history is well documented.

With the esoteric invention of silk, to the invention of porcelain, to the creation of hanzi, or Chinese characters (which influenced the writing systems of other societies), China has a unique and well curated civilization.

The setback of the 19th-20th century, a phenomenon which is not peculiar to the Chinese civilization (the Ancient Roman civilization also suffered intermittent setbacks), did not erase that consciousness of a unique civilization in the fabric of the Chinese society and like a phoenix rising from the ashes, that sense of civilization still propels the Chinese society.

The rapid modernization and transformation of China from the late 1970s is a testament to that sense of civilization as a driving force. For instance, the metamorphosis of Shenzhen from a tiny fishing village into a global, prosperous metropolis is only accentuated by the speed of the metamorphosis.

Spectators and analysts love to point to economic reform policies as the cause for Shenzhen’s transformation.

However, the acute societal organization which brought the supposed economic reform policies to bear in birthing this magnificent, thriving city (a phenomenon which has been replicated across China) is the fruit of a deliberate public (from top to bottom) quest for excellence and that quest, I opine, is driven by a sense of civilization.

Members of the Chinese society have seen the economic development of the West, induced by the industrial revolution, and do not believe it is beyond their reach. China certainly does not consider itself inferior to the developed Western civilization which leapfrogged due to its strides in modern science and technology, industrial economies, and the development of societal institutions.

As such, how best does China show that its civilization is not inferior? By making giant strides in the same areas.

This drive can only come from a sense of civilization, the sense that makes leaders eschew the pathological podsnappery that has hindered the development of some societies, the sense that propels the mindset that the development or underdevelopment of the society reflects on the image of members (leaders and followers) of the society, the sense that propels the street sweeper to diligently sweep the streets clean as dirty streets reflects poorly on the members of the society, the sense that propels civil servants to diligently carry out top-notch service delivery because a clogged civil service affects public life and reflects poorly on the society.

What more can explain the fact that since the completion and opening of Line 1 of Shenzhen’s subway system in December 2004, it has constructed and opened more than 10 Metro lines within just 20 years, considering there are capital cities of nations older than Shenzhen without a subway system, if not a deep sense of civilization?

China’s trajectory to its current state of development defied the odds and predictions of spectators, and it certainly has not reached its peak. No one knows what twists and turns the future portends for China but one thing is certain, with its deep sense of civilization, China is ready to brave any challenges that might come its way.