Noble monuments erected to celebrate noble ideals seems to be a part of Western thought which reflects the attitude that Mankind is continually striving (in so imperfect ways), to perfect a spiritual ideal within men themselves. This seems to be related to common religious views. I am too ignorant of Eastern thought to venture any explanation for the contrast. Ignorance has many consequences.
With dread harbingers like SARS emerging....the awareness of an overpopulated planet...the need to evolve past fossil fuels,it will take resolve and the brightest of mankind to meet the trials lofted upon us.
Tragically as mankind moves forward..we have these ancient thought machinations which enammour masses of people to attack us ...like the Amalekites who fell upon the straglers and the infirm in Israels train as they left Egypt for a new land.
There is vision which leads to life...and then there is just death,
a reality which only understands taking.