Oh this is painful. I've never had the courage to read all of Tacitus because of how bleak it is. Previously I could frame this as something a Roman other might do that didn't really apply to our safe, modern, and democratic lives. Now, of course, I see that there's nothing in Tacitus that I couldn't see happening in US politics in another few months or years, and that's disconcerting.
Totally get this but I really would encourage you to read the Annals - for the writing if nothing else - Tacitus is a master of characterisation, atmosphere, and, surprisingly, humor. And there might be some elements you find reassuring - I promise we’re not quite at the Caligulan stage yet!
Yeah, I’ve read 100pp of the Annals and Histories in Latin and read as much of the rest as I had to in English to do Roman history, but I previously had the luxury of saying “I don’t really want to read about people who are sad because they are stuck being complicit with tyranny.” But now, of course lots of people in the present day are complicit, or at a minimum are living under failing democratics systems, so I am overcoming this revulsion.
This speaks to our current situation in the US where an aspiring tyrant and a spineless senate are radically changing political culture. Going after the free press is next, and controlling what may be said.
I often conflate free speech with free thought. What are the effects of thinking a thing...but not dare speak it? For surely the servant is lurking and just listening around the corner. I shall like to develop this line into a character development
Oh this is painful. I've never had the courage to read all of Tacitus because of how bleak it is. Previously I could frame this as something a Roman other might do that didn't really apply to our safe, modern, and democratic lives. Now, of course, I see that there's nothing in Tacitus that I couldn't see happening in US politics in another few months or years, and that's disconcerting.
Totally get this but I really would encourage you to read the Annals - for the writing if nothing else - Tacitus is a master of characterisation, atmosphere, and, surprisingly, humor. And there might be some elements you find reassuring - I promise we’re not quite at the Caligulan stage yet!
Yeah, I’ve read 100pp of the Annals and Histories in Latin and read as much of the rest as I had to in English to do Roman history, but I previously had the luxury of saying “I don’t really want to read about people who are sad because they are stuck being complicit with tyranny.” But now, of course lots of people in the present day are complicit, or at a minimum are living under failing democratics systems, so I am overcoming this revulsion.
"One problem was that, on the most basic level, politicians no longer knew how to behave."
Wow what a lesson from history. Where are the good political leaders the world so badly needs and what role models are our youngsters to follow.
It is… concerning.
🙏🏾
Thought provoking - thank you
I feel smarter for having listened to this. Thank you.
This speaks to our current situation in the US where an aspiring tyrant and a spineless senate are radically changing political culture. Going after the free press is next, and controlling what may be said.
Eminently readable scholarship. Thankyou.
EXCELLENT. Quite a fascinating read!
This is amazing. 👏👏👏
I often conflate free speech with free thought. What are the effects of thinking a thing...but not dare speak it? For surely the servant is lurking and just listening around the corner. I shall like to develop this line into a character development