Modern Babylon?
Economics has always intrigued me. I've analyzed economic policies and how they work in our nation. However, it has only made me more frustrated with our politicians.
So instead, I decided to venture into anthropology— studying old cultures. Might as well see how others messed up while others managed to survive.
I’ve really come to appreciate the research of Dr. Joseph
Daniel Unwin. He spent his career analyzing the ancient civilizations, such as
the Babylonians, the Assyrians and the Romans.
His research detailed their
incredible strengths and their glaring weaknesses.
These dynasties built roads, libraries, and used amazing
architectural feats based on engineering principles we use today. They amassed
powerful armies that trampled their enemies.
Nothing could stop them. Well
almost.
Intriguingly, they all shared a common fault that led to
their demise.
As their power grew, so did their wanton behavior.
The orgy of excess became
intoxicating—drink, food, and sex. Eventually the family, the core of their
civilization eroded—and as that happened, crime, hatred, and political strife
ensued.
Powerful rulers were toppled, but without the strength that comes from within, these giants of civilization disappeared, never to reemerge.
Unwin originally set out to prove that marriage was irrelevant to culture. But after intense study of the Ancients, he concluded that marital monogamy created the energy that built their dynasties.
But with each successive generation, their lifestyles didn't focus on marriage and the energy invested in their culture diminished. Several generations later the decay was evident.
So where is America in this grand anthropological scheme? Looking at today’s marriage statistics, I’d say we could be going down the backside of the mountain.
And once the Ancients
were on the downside, they went down fast and nothing could stop their descent....or destruction. Not cheery news.
Maybe I’ll go back to studying economics. Or better yet, take up marriage counseling.
