The Emergence of Classical Era across Eurasia - Essay Example

Emergence ical Era across Eurasia Issues ical civilization are closely intertwined with the quest for good life. ical civilization is believed to have emerged from people’s desire to achieve a state of perfection. This was reflected in their daily lives and activities including religion, architecture, art, trade, politics, social integration, agriculture, and technology. The period of great awakening is believed to have been the cradle of people’s desire to live in well-integrated communities. It is evident that people considered classical age as the final phase of intellectual and social development due to increased sophistication. This essay focuses on the emergence of classical era across Eurasia through its impact on the social and cultural practices. The document provides or demonstrates the emergence of different cultures that characterize Eurasian people. In addition, the document responds to issues concerning the differences and similarities of cultures across Europe and south East Asia. According to the reading, the emergency of classical age is based on the findings of great scholars that were embraced across Asia and Europe. For instance, Greek is known to have been the home to great scholars such as Socrates. On the other hand, the emergence of Chinese culture is based on the teachings of Confucius (551- 479 B.C.E) (Strayer 217). Their disciples carried teachings of great scholars and philosophers across generations and this become the basis of classical civilization. It is believed that classical scholars were more than just truth-seekers to their societies. In some civilizations such as those in the Far East, philosophers took the positions of God. The link between philosophy and religion is also a significant aspect of classical civilization. Although the question of origin of humanity and life characterized other ancient civilizations, it became a significant issue during the classical era. This aspect made classical civilization to be chartered by search for truth. Among the most outstanding religious teachings were Christianity, Buddhism, and Confucius. In addition, scholars of classical civilization represented a religious faith or a school of thoughts. Although the quest for knowledge was a significant aspect of classical civilization, people also developed the desire for material prosperity. Expansion of territories was a significant aspect of the era. Integration of communities was the main element applied in expansion of territories that spread across Europe and south East Asia. This indicated the need for people to have common interests. Philosophy and religion became a central aspect of communal integration that led to the rise of great empires and kingdoms. Although the pioneers of classical civilization had perfect plans for humanity, the rise of empires sparked rivalry that threatened human integration and civilization. According to the reading, rulers in classical Eurasia used their differences in morals and values as a source of rivalry, threatening the already established civilization. This raise questions about the issues of the anticipated classical or perfect life. The quest for knowledge or truth was a fundamental aspect in the era as people tried to understand the essence of good life. According to the reading, classical philosophy introduced the issue of curiosity on the nature and reason for life. Although most religions attempted to answer the questions of origin and meaning of life, some were more precise than others were. For instance, Christianity was a more superior religion to those practiced in Far East. The reading quotes the teachings of Jesus Christ and compares them with Socrates’ teachings and the teachings of other Greek and Egyptian scholars. The rise of Christianity is also a significant aspect of classical civilization. According to the reading, the teachings of Christianity demonstrate a high degree of wisdom compared to the teachings of other religions such as Jewish religion. Jesus Christ challenged his followers to know the truth as it was the only source of their freedom. However, he claimed that his teachings were not meant to abolish or delete the laws of the prophets (philosophers) but to empower them. “He said, do you think that I have come to abolish the laws of the prophets: I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” (Strayer 224) This demonstrates the main difference between Christianity and other religions practiced in the region. Religion was a central element of integration and rulers relied on religious influence to gain followers. Classical politics is closely associated with religion and religious activities. It is evident that rulers relied on the already established religious space to launch their ideas. In addition, philosophers and religious figures were either sponsored or protected by rulers. This created the main link between classical politics and religion. In addition, the link between religion and politics was a major source of differences that characterized ancient civilization. For instance, the Roman Empire and the Chinese empire had significant differences that can be traced from the roots of dominant religion. Although the reading has a well-developed hypothesis on the rise of religion and politics in the classical era, it does not provide a connection between religion, politics, and people’s culture. For instance, the reading does not explain the difference between different cultures and the role of religion and politics in creating those differences. In addition, the reading fails to demonstrate classical era as the genesis of global culture. This is a major deficiency since culture is a significant determinant of people’s ways of life and quest for knowledge. Early agriculture and industrialization was also based on people’s culture or lifestyles. This indicates that the reading has major shortcomings that require immediate interventions. Conclusion The classical era is considered as the period of great awakening. During the period, people were determined to achieve a state of perfection in their life and beliefs. Quest for knowledge became a significant element of classical civilization as people sought to know the truth. The rise of major religion such as Buddhism and Christianity is based on the teachings and findings of great scholars such as Socrates (Strayer 219). Classical politics was based on ancient religion and teachings of great scholars. Religion and politics were closely associated despite having different values. The reading provides a significant explanation or understanding of classical civilization through religion and politics. However, the reading fails to give a clear timeline on the rise of classical culture and the impacts of religion and politics on cultural development. Works Cited Strayer, Robert. Ways of the World: A Brief Global History with Sources, Vol. 1. London: Bedford/St. Martins, 2010. Print. Read More