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Winds flap the sail, tortoise and snake are silent, a…

“Winds flap the sail, tortoise and snake are silent, a great plan looms. A bridge will fly over this moat dug by heaven and be a road from north to south. We will make a stone wall against the upper river to the west and hold back steamy clouds and rain of Wu peaks. Over tall chasms will be a calm…” quote by Mao Zedong
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“Winds flap the sail, tortoise and snake are silent, a great plan looms. A bridge will fly over this moat dug by heaven and be a road from north to south. We will make a stone wall against the upper river to the west and hold back steamy clouds and rain of Wu peaks. Over tall chasms will be a calm lake, and if the goddess of these mountains is not dead she will marvel at the changed world.”

Mao Zedong

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

A visionary description of transformative infrastructure reshaping nature and society, portraying human ingenuity overcoming natural barriers.

In simple terms: Vision of grand engineering altering the landscape.

Key Takeaway

Human ambition can reshape environments.

Themes

Transformation Nature vs. Civilization Visionary Planning Mythic Imagery Scale

Mood

Awe Determination Optimism

Type

Visionary Epic Political

When to use this quote

  • National development projects
  • Large-scale engineering feats
  • Cultural narratives of progress
  • Strategic planning discussions
  • Environmental impact debates

Key Concepts

Infrastructure Symbolism Geography Power

Practical Applications

  • Urban planning
  • Policy advocacy

Questions to Reflect On

  • What responsibilities arise when altering natural landscapes?
  • How does mythic language influence public perception of development?
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