28 The surest indicator of a great nation is represented not by the achievements of its rulers, artists, or scientists, but by the general welfare of its people

The surest indicator of a great nation is represented not by the achievements of its rulers,artists, or scientists, but by the general welfare of its people.

Write a response in which you discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with the statement and explain your reasoning for the position you take. In developing and supporting your position, you should consider ways in which the statement might or might not hold true and explain how these considerations shape your position.

文勇五问：

（1）可以用来衡量一个国家伟大程度的指标有哪些？你能够随意地列举一些吗？这些指标中有哪些与精英阶层有关？哪些与大众阶层有关？例如：科技、艺术、法律法规和社会制度等与精英阶层有关，而消费指数、人均收入等与大众阶层有关。

（2）精英阶层是否可以代表一个国家？在哪些情况下可以代表？为什么？例如：政治精英是否可以代表一个国家的政治主张和观念？体育教育水平是否可以代表一个国家的竞技能力？

（3）一个国家有哪些指标只有大众阶层才能真正地代表？为什么？你能罗列几个具体的方面吗？例如：消费水平、受教育程度等。

（4）精英阶层和大众阶层之间是什么关系？二者一定是非此即彼的吗？一定是没有办法流动的吗？精英阶层是怎样选拔出来的？精英阶层是不是服务于大众的？是否也是从大众中选拔出来的？

（5）你认为现代的历史是由精英阶层还是大众阶层来创造的？

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