The autumn season commenced at 9:31 AM (EDT) on Tuesday, September 22nd. Happy fall!
There is so much going on, as usual, if the unfolding this year is unusual. We’re still waiting on Dr. Fauci to tell us if the leaves may change colors, based on his highly-scientific reading of some chicken bones or something. If we’re allowed to observe, please remember to wear your face diaper; leaves are known superspreaders. BLM politics ball is in full swing! There’s the presidential (un)reality show. We have the “twin-demic” of the Corona Hoax and the coming of another common, ordinary cold and flu season - many more trillions of people under the age of 300 and otherwise immortal will sadly succumb. And we have the still-simmering civil war.
In other words, we have some conflicts. Then again, when don’t we? We even, from time to time, see eras like this when all of society is reordered. Now might be the ideal time to read about earlier times of mass chaos. (Yeah, sorry, it’s another bout of national affairs literacy). As the esteemed Vox Day recently pointed out, even those who know history may still be doomed to repeat it. However, at least we have the benefit of understanding what’s happening, and thus, we may be able to stave off the more uncomfortable aspects of the repeat.
Niccolò Machiavelli: History of Florence and of the Affairs of Italy
You’ve, I sincerely hope, read The Prince. That is, of course, a master treatise on the accumulation and wielding of power. The History of Florence, recently repeatedly recommended by Mr. Day, explains in great detail what happens when the power falls apart, taking civil order with it to the dustbin of history.
The first part of the text rapidly covers the fall of Rome and the Dark-Middle ages, particularly as to the constant changes in Italy. An astute reading will help explain, not only what happened then, but also what has happened to the United States more recently. The potential transition from societal strength to weakness is explored:
Hence, wise men have observed, that the age of literary excellence is subsequent to that of distinction in arms; and that in cities and provinces, great warriors are produced before philosophers. Arms having secured victory, and victory peace, the buoyant vigor of the martial mind cannot be enfeebled by a more excusable indulgence than that of letters; nor can indolence, with any greater or more dangerous deceit, enter a well-regulated community.
Cato was aware of this when the philosophers, Diogenes and Carneades, were sent ambassadors to the Senate by the Athenians; for perceiving with what earnest admiration the Roman youth began to follow them, and knowing the evils that might result to his country from this specious idleness, he enacted that no philosopher should be allowed to enter Rome.
Yes, we are mindful of concurrent examples like Socrates. Yet, a nation-state founded by Enlightenment-influenced philosophers was probably destined not to last nearly as long as the Western Roman Republic and Empire. Hint, hint.
The rest of the book largely revolves around what became of the various competing cities and regions of Italy, naturally as seen from the academically-contracted seat of Florence. This could - and “could” is a loose and dangerous word - help an intelligent student predict what may become of the remains of that nation-shaped kind of place sometimes still known as America. In short: it’s time to find your tribe and your tribe’s place in the mix. As Machiavelli makes utterly clear, demographics is destiny. The fact that this iron law is challenged by the current luciferian elites proves its truth and value. Ask yourself: Do I trust Machiavelli, and through him, Cato, Cicero, Livy, et al; or, do I trust Ben Shapiru and the paid-off morons on the idiot box? Please be careful in considering, as your answer might have a stern bearing on the lives of your descendants (if any).
Also, consider why you might have never heard of this book before: if ‘they” don’t want you to know, then you really, really need to. Given the prevailing, revealing economic conditions, the unbeatable price of this (500-year) time-tested work is an added bonus. You’re welcome. I believe that both of the following editions are based on a 1901 translation:
Free, in various formats, at Gutenberg.
Upon completing History, it would be wise to read Machiavelli’s Discourses on Livy and his Art of War. It might also be wise to regularly consult Vox Popoli. There’s still time, though not nearly as much as there was.
Now, if you’re among the Farceberg subliterate sect, then know that I’m still looking out for you. Thank you for making this far! Here’s something more appropriate for those below the lower Hollingsworth line: “Try not to laugh…”
