5. Present-day britain

Ties with past and thoughts of the future. Britain has more living symbols of its past than any countries. It still has a royal family and a mall nobility. Its capital, other cities and countryside have preserved many ancient palaces, castles, and cathedrals, and grand mansions of the nobility. Every year there are historical ceremonies, for example the State Opening of Parliament, he Lord Mayor's Show in London, or the meeting f the Knights of the Garter¹ at Windsor each St. George's Day. These symbols are a true representation of the glorious past.

As to the country's present and future, there is a difference of opinion among the British people today as to what home policies Britain should pursue. Some people are sure that most important for national renewal is material wealth. Others believe that the emphasis on material wealth encourages selfishness and a retreat from an ideal of community to a desire for personal gain. They are worried by the weakening of the"welfare-state" principle, particularly by the reduction of government aid in the education and health services.