--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: In 1923, National Geographic Magazine…" description: "\"“In 1923, National Geographic Magazine claimed that the Great Wall is visible to the human eye from the moon. (In truth, nobody on the moon could see i..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f95/peter-hessler-23069_great-wall_in-1923-national-geographic-magazine-cla_1173184.png" --- # In 1923, National Geographic Magazine claimed that the… ![“In 1923, National Geographic Magazine claimed that the Great Wall is visible to the human eye from the moon. (In truth, nobody on the moon could see it in 1923, and they sill can't.) For a while, Chinese intellectuals tried to resist such exaggerations, believing rightly that the foreigners had…” quote by Peter Hessler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f95/peter-hessler-23069_great-wall_in-1923-national-geographic-magazine-cla_1173184.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f95/peter-hessler-23069_great-wall_in-1923-national-geographic-magazine-cla_1173184.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f95/peter-hessler-23069_great-wall_in-1923-national-geographic-magazine-cla_1173184.png) > ““In 1923, National Geographic Magazine claimed that the Great Wall is visible to the human eye from the moon. (In truth, nobody on the moon could see it in 1923, and they sill can't.) For a while, Chinese intellectuals tried to resist such exaggerations, believing rightly that the foreigners had confused both history and geography. But eventually the myths proved appealing to nationalists like Mao Zedong, who used the Great Wall in propaganda, recognizing the symbolic value of a unified barrier. In any case, it was hard to set the record straight in a country with no academic tradition of studying the ancient structures. Finally it was as if the Chinese threw up their hands and accepted the foreign notion.”” [Peter Hessler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/peter-hessler/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The myth that the Great Wall can be seen from the moon persisted despite evidence, showing how national pride can adopt foreign exaggerations. **In simple terms:** Myths can become national symbols even when false. Key Takeaway Question myths critically, especially when used politically. Themes nationalism mythmaking history propaganda science Mood skeptical reflective Type historical political When to use this quote - education reform - media literacy - policy making - public discourse - cultural identity Key Concepts symbolic power collective memory political narrative Questions to Reflect On - How do societies decide which myths to keep? - What role does pride play in accepting falsehoods? 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