In the short time since the “Belt and Road Initiative” was announced by President Xi Jinping of China in 2013, it has grown to be home to the largest piece of economic infrastructure in human history. We examined this project in a video entitled “One Belt One Road” in 2019 but a great deal has happened since. This massive project warrants a second look.

A random stone, thrown by a shepherd boy as he worked along the cliffs of Qumran, led to the most important archeological discovery of the 20th century, the Dead Sea Scrolls. Over seventy years later, clues are still being found that reshape our understanding of ancient documents and how they have been preserved.

Opinions vary widely regarding the proper administration of law and order in society today, often leading to unrest, protest and even violence. With such strong disagreement among people and groups, all striving to promote their own ideals and visions, are real peace and stability even possible? Ancient texts provide insights - for both government and the governed - that remain relevant even today.

We will eventually find that a party lifestyle loses its appeal. For example, celebrities with unlimited resources may reach a point where they see life as pointless and unsatisfying, not worth living—and so we hear of suicide attempts on the news. Some of you watching this may have also lived this life with no restrictions and restraint, and have gotten to the point where the sense of satisfaction and fulfillment has lost its appeal. This brings us to a philosophical dilemma. Is it wrong to have fun and enjoy life? Should life become mostly serious and predictable?

There is a plague in our midst that costs the global economy billions of dollars every year, and claims victims from the poorest to the richest among us. This modern epidemic is eroding health, wealth and happiness of young and old alike. This plague is not caused by a virus, yet it has spread like the most virulent of contagions. When one suffers from depression, all seems hopeless with seemingly no escape from distress. In this condition it is difficult to be grateful for anything and yet finding ways to show gratitude is one of the most effective natural ways to combat depression.

The nuclear family is the single most important institution in any society. Without it, our very existence would quickly become jeopardized. Yet there are some who are attempting to break down the family and by doing so, their efforts are an attack on humanity. Here are three reasons why the family unit is fundamental to society.

The One Belt and One Road initiative is the most visionary and far-reaching international development since the 1940’s. This remarkable trade network, unprecedented in scale and potential, now promises to stimulate not only trade and commerce across Eurasia and Africa but also to contribute to cultural understanding and peaceful development.

With the sudden increase of sexual harassment claims against influential personalities, the question must be asked: “How did individuals of such low character come to prominence in the first place?”

Family is important. Oftentimes people focus on the role of fathers in the lives of their sons. What benefits will an active, attentive father provide in the life of his daughter? This is not to demean the influence of mothers nor overlook the needs of sons. But consider the deep and weighty effect that fathers have on the lives of their daughters; for good or bad. Girls with attentive fathers do better academically. They are likely to achieve higher grades in school than girls with absent fathers.