This paper reviews the epoch-making significance of advanced materials in the history of human civilization, emphasizes that materials fall within the scope of applied science and the purpose of materials research lies in application. The “two whole processes” endow materials with ultimate intrinsic properties and ultimate service performance, thus forming the discipline of “Materials Science and Engineering”. This is the only way to build a leading country in materials. Five commanding heights for such a country are proposed, namely commanding heights in theory, technology, performance, industry, and system.