The Daily Stoic Mike Duncan On Using the Past to Guide the Future
Jan 20, 2021
Mike Duncan, a renowned author and historian, shares insights from his works, including The Storm Before The Storm, and his highly popular podcasts on Roman history. He draws alarming parallels between the decline of the Roman Republic and today's political landscape in America, emphasizing the need for accountability post-January 6th. The discussion also delves into political integrity, contrasting historical figures like Cato with modern leaders. Duncan's analysis highlights how understanding historical cycles can provide lessons for navigating current political complexities.
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Caesar's Rise: A Century in the Making
- Julius Caesar's overthrow of the Roman Republic wasn't spontaneous but the culmination of a century of eroding norms.
- Smaller events and decisions made by prior generations set the stage for Caesar's actions.
Roman History: A Paradox of Time
- Roman history, spanning over a millennium, often feels compressed due to the interconnectedness of events and figures.
- Key figures were influenced by events that felt both distant and recent, shaping their actions and decisions.
The Gracchi Brothers and the Cycle of Violence
- The Gracchi brothers' attempts at reform were met with violent opposition from conservative senators.
- This initiated a cycle of retaliatory violence, escalating political tensions within the Roman Republic.
