History Does Repeat - Just in Different Attire

I am often asked what period of Roman history our current world mirrors. I can only answer for the Republican era, that being my area of expertise.

I consider it to be close to the Fall. We are probably not yet at the point of Caesar’s demise, but not far off - whether or not it will occur the same way is something we don’t know; our world, after all, operates in a different context to 44 BC.

How I gauge my views on patterning is through primary texts by the various ancient authors, and in particular, Cicero. His personal correspondence provides a wealth of insight into the day-to-day of Roman lives. Here I reference just one letter that he wrote to his good friend, Atticus, to highlight why I believe we are well within the Fall of the Republic stage.

Cicero writes on 7 April, 44 BC, to Atticus, about three weeks after Caesar’s assassination. What this letter reveals are the fears and conclusions of some Roman nobles:

‘I have broken my journey at the house of the person [C. Matius] of whom we were talking this morning. Utterly deplorable! According to him our problems are insoluble: “for if a man of Caesar’s genius could find no way out, who will find one now?” In short, he said Rome was finished — I am inclined to agree, but he said it with relish — and declared that the Gauls will be up within three weeks.’ (Loeb Classical Library, tr. D. R. Shackleton Bailey).

Cicero writing to Atticus on the demise of his beloved Rome. Author’s own AI-generated image.

As an Australian living through these turbulent and uncertain times — although, are they uncertain, given we have the blueprint of history’s timeline? — I relate to the words of C. Matius: I hear time and again the phrase, “Australia is finished!” Whether it is we don’t know yet. Perhaps there will be an eleventh hour repreive? But we would need to find the equal of “Caesar’s genius” to lead us through the fire and into a revived nation.

It is sad to hear that many young people and young families are planning their exit from Australia. I don’t blame them for they have the right to seek a better life. But is there a better life anywhere else in this new globalist Leviathan? And perhaps that’s what makes this time in history different from the past: that more people do have access to information which will cause a resurgence of interest in the world. The only caveat with this line of thought is that it has been proven repeatedly that only a minority of people ever possess the fortitude to act. Despite the many having access, doesn’t account for their ability or willingness to seek change.

However, it is human nature to endure, even if it is only the minority who lead the endurance race.

In some ways it is exhilarating to be alive at this momentous time, despite the challenges being immense. Let us watch on with anticipation and a great deal of Hope!