Page after page I am reminded how little human nature has changed throughout the centuries. The quest for “greatnessâ€, wealth, and spiritual fulfillment still plagues present day earth as it did thousands of years ago. The fall of the Roman Empire had many contributing factors. The most harmful toxin perhaps, being the lack of productivity among the city dwellers. The plebeians, or farmer peasants, were the hardest workers and the least rewarded. They produced the welfare food for the Romans and paid higher taxes, which, in turn, caused much resentment or even abandonment of the land. Farmers were not well protected from barbarians. Sometimes they appeared to be relieved when raided because the looters did not tax. Disease was another wrecking ball in the Empires wall. Malaria and small pox spread rapidly through the country devouring lives and hopes. People seemed to be lazy and self absorbed, yet worried about the future. Jesus Christ was a prophet who brought hope and mental peace for all.
