Professor Jiang delivers a lecture contrasting civilization and the Steppes, challenging conventional views by arguing that Steppe people, often labeled as barbarians, were actually more open, curious, and innovative than settled civilizations. The lecture explores the origins and development of civilizations, highlighting the initial innovation driven by open competition among city-states, which later stagnates into corruption within empires. Conversely, the lecture posits that the Steppes fostered innovation through necessity, driven by geographical constraints and a pastoral economy, leading to unique cultural adaptations, a warrior culture, and a mythology centered on conquest. The lecture further examines the impact of Steppe migrations on Europe, India, and Iran, emphasizing cultural transformations and the role of mythology in shaping societal values.
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