“There are no chinese Davincis or Newtons.”
I would suggest you listen to “The History of China” podcast
https://thehistoryofchina.wordpress.com/&ved=2ahUKEwii1JXRkOOUAxVcUFUIHZYHHg4QFnoECA8QAQ&usg=AOvVaw2sQ08JtHBtyUK11MC0Gp75
This is an American in China who runs it and it has taught me a lot about Chinese history. I cross check what he says (I am by nature a sceptic), and I’ve not seen any false stories or errors.
Leonardo da Vinci is celebrated as the ultimate Renaissance polymath. China’s direct equivalent is Shen Kuo, a Song Dynasty scientist and statesman who invented the magnetic compass, did stuff in mathematics, astronomy, meteorology, cartography, optics, medicine, economics, diplomacy, and music.
Newton was unique yes, but Qin Jiushao was quite nearly an equivalent
The thing is that Western ideas are based on individualism, so the “great man” trope but Chinese tend to be more confucian society
hive societies can go on for centuries and ours not so much. But I would rather live in a nation of individuals, free-thinkers who burn the candle in a great flash and accomplish the impossible. My people were destined to be a spacefaring people.
Mexico city is one of the largest cities in the world. Is that a great accomplishment? No It is sh&$. It limps along. I wouldn’t want to ,” live” there. Surviving for thousands of years isn’t greatness. Greatness is greatness.