No victory of arms, or tyranny of alien finance, can long suppress a nation so rich in resources and vitality. The invader will lose funds or patience before the loins of China will lose virility; within a century China will have absorbed and civilized her conquerors, and will have learned all the technique of what transiently bears the name of modern industry; roads and communications will give her unity, economy and thrift will give her funds, and a strong government will give her order and peace.
- Will and Ariel Durant, The Story of Civilization, Book I, Our Oriental Heritage (1935) p.823.
http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/China
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Will_Durant
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ariel_Durant