US Must Learn From The Fall Of Rome
David Walker, comptroller general of the US, draws parallels between the state of the US and the fall of Rome...
[...]
Drawing parallels with the end of the Roman empire, Mr Walker warned there were “striking similarities” between America’s current situation and the factors that brought down Rome, including “declining moral values and political civility at home, an over-confident and over-extended military in foreign lands and fiscal irresponsibility by the central government”.
[Source: Financial Times]
Basically, I think that if you choose any empire or civilization from the history of mankind and you look at the reasons behind its demise, you'll almost always come up with the same set of mistakes and causes.
And it always amazed me how each time, a new empire would turn a blind eye to history, commit the same mistakes, maybe thinking arrogantly that they're above it all, only to end up in the same pitfall of dead civilizations.
There's no doubt about it that the US is our modern day empire, and it is true that some of the unmistakable signs of decline could be starting to show, but there's still a long way to go, and just looking back and learning from the past should be enough to avoid the fall of this empire.
The Wall Must Fall Chalabi's Fall Things It Takes Most Of Us 50 Years To Learn You Live, You Learn HistoryRoman lasted, what? 500 years, from Republic to the end of the Western Empire? No nukes then, though. Or global warming.
I commend to your attention the brilliant series of novels by Colleen McCullough on the end of the Roman Republic and the start of the Empire, her Masters of Rome series. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colleen_McCullough
They're of such historical depth accuracy and superb characterization that, like Oliver Stone's movie Alexander, you are there. I was amazed to find out where Julius Caesar actually grew up--explains the man's charisma, appeal to peoples of many cultures and vast command of languages.
Well, MMM, I leave you to prepare your virtual battlements for the inevitable assault this posting will provoke. Might want to start the pots of molten lead bubbling atop your ramparts. Though just a few cans of insecticide should do.
Cheers,
J.
Posted by: Janissary at August 15, 2007 12:38 AMI just thought I would mention that there is a tremendous series on HBO called ROME.
Season 2 just came out on DVD. And although slightly sexually gratuitous at times, its quite brilliant, entertaining, and brings the history alive to a standard I have not seen in quite some time; besides the great entertainment and production value, I think the series creators and writers try to get the audience thinking about the striking similarites in the societal structures of the current US empire, and the past Roman empire, and thus the glaring reminder of what led to the downfall of their empire, and the lessons our current society/government should be keeping in mind.
As far as the show goes I suggest you check it out when you have time. I highly suggest you put it on your to see shortlist. I am enjoying the series very much.
MMM...on another subject unrelated to the above topic, I just finished The Prophet by Kalil Gibran thanks to one of your previous posts which inspired me to order it. A tremendous work of lasting importance. My mom said it was quite popular in the late 60's and early 70's when she was in college. She laughed fondly when she saw me reading it....
@Janissary: Thanks :) I'll try to check out Colleen McCullough's books soon.
Oh and it seems this post passed rather unnoticed by the flamers :)
@JMarie: I started watching season one of ROME and I really really liked it. I'll be trying to finish seeing it and get my hands on season 2 as well. Thanks :)
I'm happy that post inspired you to read "The Prophet" and that you enjoyed it, it's been on my to-read list for a long time, and now you've made me want to read it even more.
