Factionalism, i.e., the development and subsequent infighting of political parties, has long been recognized as poisonous by many of history's celebrated thinkers and writers. For example, Madison, in Federalist 10, outlined the causes and effects of factionalism, and what he believed to be the only way to control them.

Roman historian, Tacitus, authored five works: Agricola was the earliest. Incidentally, Agricola was Tacitus's father-in-law. Of interest here is the way in which the Romans used both force and culture to enslave the Britons. This post is a bit lengthy, but worth the read as it will give one much

In his work, Considerations on the Causes of the Greatness of the Romans and their Decline, Montesquieu had some interesting thoughts about the elements that make a people either powerful or weak. From Montesquieu's analysis, one can ferret out some timeless considerations on the strengths and weaknesses of society, causes

Archimedes is considered to be one of the greatest, if not greatest, mathematicians of the Ancient Greek era. His mathematical genius was put to many uses in the discipline known as physics. In this selection from Plutarch, Archimedes's development of war instruments and their deployment agains Marcellus of Rome makes

If you've ever wondered why two people can interpret, for instance, the same speech so differently, this quote is for you. August Glen-James, editor -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- > . . . deriving material for his own individual interests from identical subject-matter. "There is nothing particularly surprising about this way which everyone has of deriving material for

The more things change, the more they stay the same. The daring of youth and the wisdom of old age seem to be common themes across time and space. If you are starting to feel your age, Cicero will speak to you. August Glen-James, editor -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- > A young person dying