The seemingly interminable cycle of chaos and order began early in ancient China from the first millenium BC.

This happened after the serious decline of the powerful Zhou dynasty from around 800 BC.

That momentous event resulted in the rise of multiple independent states during the chaos of the famous Spring and Autumn Period in Chinese history.

The cycles of chaos and order were to repeat many times over.

These cycles of chaos and order in China provide useful insights into Chinese history and the larger picture of the nature of humankind in general.

Indeed, history is a great teacher if we are humble enough to be its students; to be duly attentive, to apply critical thinking, and to draw the useful conclusions.

And it is clear that those who do not learn from history are bound to repeat the same terrible mistakes of the past.