Human Nature

There have been many changes in the past 5,000 years in regards to technology, transportation, governments and socio-economic systems.  There is one constant that hasn't budged - human nature.  The same basic emotions that drove us then, drive us now.  Let's take a look...........

Cicero was a famous philosopher and politician that lived in Rome at the time of Caesar.  These were very turbulent times as Caesar was trying to become dictator of the Roman Republic.  The following quote is by Cicero in 55 B.C., or 2,063 years ago:

"The budget should be balanced, public debt should be reduced, the arrogance of officialdom should be tempered, and the assistance to foreign lands should be curtailed lest Rome become bankrupt."

Hmmmmm......... Sound familiar?  Budget deficits, excessive national debt, out-of-touch and arrogant public officials and excessive assistance to foreign countries.  Cicero also felt that a country should not wage war unless for revenge or to defend ones self.  He didn't mention anything about weapons of mass destruction.

Soooooo, either Rome was ahead of its time or we are behind the times.  Or maybe, just maybe, human nature hasn't changed in 5,000 years - or at least in the last 2,063.