Now, compare me, fellow citizens, a ‘new man,’ with those arrogant nobles. What they know only from hearsay or reading, I have seen with my own eyes or done with my own hands – what they have learned from books I have actually done during my military service. Work it out for yourself whether words or deeds are worth more. they hold my humble origins in contempt – I scorn their worthlessness; I am reproached for the chance of birth – they for their infamous conduct. Personally, I believe that all men have one nature, and that the bravest are the best born. And if now the fathers of Albinus and Bestia were asked whether they would prefer to have me or those men as their offspring, what do you reckon they would reply, if not that they wished to have the best children? If the nobles justly look down on me, let them also despise their own ancestors, whose nobility began with their courage, as did mine.
– Caius Marius
The corollary is death to those arrogant nobles. For their impropriety is grave danger to the Republic.
ReplyDeleteAs I read through ancient literature, the Old Testament inclusive, I see that human behavior is unchanged through all millennia. Therefore, the same results shall occur and the same resolutions shall likewise become fashionable. I think most people are in agreement of exactly where we are along that timeline. Therefore, the resolution becomes ever clearer. However, the same would be true even though only one believe.
I couldn't hear the last 15 seconds because the moderator was telling Mr. Marius that his time was up.
ReplyDelete