Ancient Rome was one of the greatest civilizations in the history of the world. Yet, it fell. Might there be similarities between then and now that we should take note of, for it is generally agreed that history often repeats itself? Here is a list of major causes for this great civilization's collapse, in the words of Ezra Taft Benson:
"The first group of causes is termed biological, and no doubt most fundamental. They had to do with the limitation of families, the discouraging of marriage, the refusal of men and women to shoulder the great responsibilities, God-ordained, of honorable parenthood. Sexual excesses were indulged in commonly, both in and outside the marriage covenant. The operation of contraception and abortion was common. This, together with other things, resulted in reduced fertility. Sex ran riot and moral decay resulted.
"Another cause of Rome's decay was the waste of natural resources in mining, deforestation, erosion; the neglect of irrigation canals, but most important of all, the negligence of harassed and discouraged men, the failure to teach high moral principles so necessary for the building of real character.
"And this one calls for great emphasis, the rising costs of government due to armies, public works, expanding bureaucracy, a parasitic court, depreciation of currency, absorption of investment capital by confiscatory taxation."
Future generations need to be educated on these great civilizations. As I said at the beginning of this post, history often repeats itself. If we teach our children what happens when society drifts away from true principles, they will be able to choose leaders or be leaders who will use wisdom and judgement.
I hope that the rising generation can stand for freedom and be a light unto the world that represents a nation for freedom and prosperity. If we do not change our course we will go down in history as another once great but fallen nation who followed the same path to failure as previous civilizations.
"The first group of causes is termed biological, and no doubt most fundamental. They had to do with the limitation of families, the discouraging of marriage, the refusal of men and women to shoulder the great responsibilities, God-ordained, of honorable parenthood. Sexual excesses were indulged in commonly, both in and outside the marriage covenant. The operation of contraception and abortion was common. This, together with other things, resulted in reduced fertility. Sex ran riot and moral decay resulted.
"Another cause of Rome's decay was the waste of natural resources in mining, deforestation, erosion; the neglect of irrigation canals, but most important of all, the negligence of harassed and discouraged men, the failure to teach high moral principles so necessary for the building of real character.
"And this one calls for great emphasis, the rising costs of government due to armies, public works, expanding bureaucracy, a parasitic court, depreciation of currency, absorption of investment capital by confiscatory taxation."
Future generations need to be educated on these great civilizations. As I said at the beginning of this post, history often repeats itself. If we teach our children what happens when society drifts away from true principles, they will be able to choose leaders or be leaders who will use wisdom and judgement.
I hope that the rising generation can stand for freedom and be a light unto the world that represents a nation for freedom and prosperity. If we do not change our course we will go down in history as another once great but fallen nation who followed the same path to failure as previous civilizations.
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