What can we learn from the past about why civilizations rise and fall?

Question

How does this knowledge apply to modern the United States?

Answer 1

Everything is born, breathes for a little while, and then dies. It holds true for microbes, men, civilizations, and probably even for the creator of the universe...

Answer 2

Nothing at all.

Venality and evil, are clearly enjoyed by practically every American you see.

I've seen quite a lot.

I wound up having to walk from Indiana to Utah with rides few and far between precisely because of that reason. I'm not a substance abuser, kook, or felon. So you have to figure, there had to be a serious reason to have to pull a stunt like that!

( NO - I am not a Mormon! Ick! )

From there, through to halfway up California where I am now stranded. Probably THE most hateful place in the western hemisphere. ( I was headed for Washington State. )

' Americans ' seem to hold the title up like it's something to be revered and a symbol of righteousness. I can speak from experience but prefer not to go into it much.

I'm sure some of you are aware the wave of evil we're all dealing with here. Starting at the highest levels.

You may become acquainted with historical evidence but be aware few inspect with a view to gain knowledge or insight. The rest with intent to opportunism. People do not learn from their  mistakes or anyone else's.

Particularly in America. Why do you think organised crime still exists?

Answer 3

History repeats itself.  Fact.  One would think the world would wise up and learn from its mistakes.  Apparently not as the same thing is happening all over again all over the world.  Only this time, the outcome will be much worse because the technology is more advanced and more damage can be done.  This does not just apply to the United States but for every country.  Look at President during the Civil War.  He said "a country divided amongst itself will surely fall".  Case in point, politicians today.  Fighting with each other all the time, blaming each other for all the problems in the world.  Working together might be an option here.  One nation, working together instead of pulling it apart.

Answer 4

Well we can learn tons of stuff -- history is constantly repeating itself, politics, government etc etc for example the U.S. was founded on a lot of the same policies as the Roman Empire.

Answer 5

How unavoidable stupid the human race is!

Answer 6

Looks like you're trying to get a question featured.  :-)  Cool.

We can learn lots of things, such as how diplomacy can assist or even destroy a civilization.  We may also learn about the effects of war and how it can lead to the demise or to the rise of any civlization.  We have all fought wars.  

One thing we can assume by understanding the former Great Empire of Rome is that the United States may not be such a great empire and that we will fall.  When and how is the question.