Mao and his intolerance to criticism

Lives of great men remind us

We can make our lives sublime.

And, departing, leave behind us

Footprints on the sands of time.

- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-1882)

History: His story. The story of man, his struggles, his progresses; his achievements and his downfalls. History is made by the unfolding yarn of time, cutting its way through existence like a glacier piercing its way through mountains. As defined in its simplest terms, it is the record of events in the life of a person, nation or the world. However, history is not only associated with the interrogative expression of 'when,' yet together encompasses the people and places that are associated with these events. Every second of our lives is history, every day on earth is unique and that is what makes history such a dynamic means of expression. It the past that shapes the present, as does the present to the future.

President Nixon meets with China's Communist Party...

English: Mao's official portrait at Tiananmen gate...

English: Mausoleum of Mao Zedong, Beijing, China E...

Society today is a reflection of what was. Nevertheless, everyday is a new beginning, with the red sun rising over the earth with promises of a brighter tomorrow.

History, incorporating the events, people and places of the past, is an excellent way to measure progress by means of comparison. Progress in itself is like an uncut diamond, having infinite facets and thus limitless points of views. Nevertheless, the definition of progress is unaffected by these boundless aspects, and remains to be a movement forward, a development towards a better condition. However, this transition must continue for progress to be made, without sustainability, progress is merely gain. Keeping in mind the variety of the people of the world, progress for some may be the opposite for others. Progress on a national level is normally measured, rather assessed, in economic and social arenas. Although the latter may seem perplexing in...