CompuServe Messages

Nice paraphrase of Santayana. However, the Roman Republic (which is what it was before the decline and fall), was a rather nice place to live, for Romans. It wasn't greed that ruined Rome, but license. I've found it fascinating how the US has followed in Rome's path (not surprising, as much of it was based upon the Roman Republic). In the early days there was a high morality, a definite distinction between Romans and 'barbarians', with the clear understanding that Romans were superior, one had to earn one's way into the military by buying one's armaments, and a definite code of behaviour (virtus, "manliness"). This didn't stop them from conquering every land they could reach and exacting tribute from them. Eventually, they became cosmopolitan…. one didn't have to be a Roman to serve in the Senate, former 'barbarians' could be citizens and hold positions of power and influence in Rome herself. Indulgence in what might be termed 'sensual pleasures' (so as not to restrict them simply to sexual perversions) which were once frowned upon and widely condemned, became tolerated, even promoted. One might even say that Rome went from conservative to liberal. And when you compare Rome's history with the history of the US, when in each nation's respective histories were they healthy, vigorous, strong, and respectable, and when were each dispicable? There is nothing wrong with greed; it is the single most productive human force. A greedy man with no honor is little different than any other dishonorable man.