The creation of the nation state characterized the Second Wave civilizing force that swept through Europe and Asia. These nation states made trade possible and necessitated national consolidation. A major part of this consolidation was the unification of a legal code throughout all the communities included in the nation state. This enabled a more productive division of labor and a larger market for capital and commodities. .
In the large Eastern nations of India and China this was done throughout the country, without the focus on trade with other nations that was seen in the more fragmented and individually nationalized European nations. . In these eastern nations the difficulty was focused on coming to an acceptable standard of behavior and values over a large geographic expanse. However, within these countries there were sufficient resources and trade opportunities so that the citizens could enjoy a sufficiently diverse economic situation without crossing national boundaries.
Europe faced an entire different set of stressors. Europe consisted of a greater number of nations who competed with each other both economically and militarily. Before the rise of the second wave of civilization it was said that a traveler had to adjust to changing legal systems more often than they had to change horses when traveling in Europe. The rise of the larger nation states of the second wave helped alleviate this problem. . However, it created competition between these more closely geographically located second wave countries. When examined Pericles – Funeral Oration, Aristides – In Praise of the Roman Empire, both sought to differentiate themselves from each other and distance themselves from the peoples to the north that they both considered more barbaric. . Interestingly, they both focus upon the same features of civilization in order to do so. One of the primary features they focus on is how educationally advanced their population in general was and how education was appreciated across all levels of social strata. Another important aspect of these discourses is respect for individuals without regards to financial or social standing. A third distinguishing aspect is a respect for art that was not only manifested in private homes and gardens but also could be seen in public works of art that was visible everywhere in public spaces. . Lastly, they distinguished themselves by their successful trade relations with other lands, the peace enjoyed in their country and their families. However, they did not ignore the importance of informed courage in which the citizens and the military knew the danger and still acted when force was needed. The features of civilization described in Pericles – Funeral Oration, Aristides – In Praise of the Roman Empire, Han Fei – The Writings of Master Han Fei, and Ashoka – The Rock Edicts, illustrate issues attendant to responsible governance of an emerging second wave civilization. They all have one great common feature which is that all four are concerned with respect for the law. As part of this common concern for respect for the law all four recognize the importance of fair governance for all people under the law. Ways of the World: A Brief Global History with Sources observes that ““ Power” refers to the ability of rulers to coerce their subjects into some required behavior, while “authority” denotes the ability of those rulers to persuade their subjects to obey voluntarily by convincing them that it is proper, right, or natural to do so.” .
Han Fei approaches this by using a combination of two handles over his ministers. These two handles are commendation and chastisement. Quite simply, when a minister does the right thing he receives a commendation, when he fails in his duty he is chastised. Ashoka prefers education, and all the Royal officers received Dharma (ethics) instruction every five years. Asoka also shows particular care for humans and concern for animals. To that end he instituted what amounts to universal health care for people and animals, furnishing separate medical care providers and giving them the local and imported medicinal herbs necessary for keeping the population healthy. Han Fei observed the direct correlation between the strength of the nation with the willingness of its people to adhere to its laws. Asoka showed a particular deference to respect for religion, all religions and observed “One should listen and respect the doctrines professed by others.” .
In addition to these concerns regarding law, equality, justice, and freedom Pericles – Funeral Oration and Aristides – In Praise of the Roman Empire addressed other features of their civilizations that they felt made it superior to all others. These virtues included: their successful trade relations with other lands, the peace in their home city as well as in their families, the general respect for education, the respect for informed courage along the citizens and the in the military when force was needed and the great appreciation of art visible everywhere.
I believe the differences between Pericles – Funeral Oration, Aristides – In Praise of the Roman Empire, Han Fei – The Writings of Master Han Fei, and Ashoka – The Rock Edicts can be largely accounted for by the sheer geographic size of the nations and regions involved. The large Eastern nations of India and China were sufficient between the different regions within their country, and they did not need to trade with other nations in the same way that the more fragmented and individually nationalized European nations did.
Works Cited
Enaida, Luca. "A frenezy of nations and the imperial drive." 09 12 2010. lucaenaida. 31 08 2013. <http://lucaenaida.blogspot.com/>.
Strayer, Robert W. "Second-Wave Civilizations in World History." The Ways of the World - A Brief Global History with Sources. Brockport, NY, USA: The College at Brockport: State University of New York, n.d.
