Even a journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step, as Lao Tzu once put it. What the first step is in a journey, the groundbreaking is in a building. It is preceded by a lot of planning, and it is a very special moment when things actually get started. The first documented groundbreaking ceremony is said to have taken place in Lao Tzu’s homeland of China, in fact as early as 113 years before Christ. At that time, it was not a public act like it is today, but a ritual act common in many religious communities in Asia to a sacrificial ceremony. Since the earth was being damaged, the responsible deities had to be appeased by offering fruit, wine or tea leaves. In modern times, a new symbolism has developed: the rulers of the time – mayor, prime minister, chancellor – break ground on a construction project that is intended to serve the well-being of many. Brand new rubber boots and helmets are part of the equipment of those digging – it should make for nice pictures for the public. On Tuesday, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Chancellor Olaf Scholz were allowed to get to work in Dresden, where construction of the TSMC chip factory is beginning.
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