by Cullen Murphy
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Product Description
The rise and fall of ancient Rome has been on American minds from the beginning of our republic.Today we focus less on the Roman Republic than on the empire that took its place. Depending on who's doing the talking, the history of Rome serves as either a triumphal call to action or a dire warning of imminent collapse. In Are We Rome? the esteemed editor and author Cullen Murphy reveals a wide array of similarities between the two empires: the blinkered, insular culture of our capitals; the debilitating effect of bribery in public life; the paradoxical issue of borders; and the weakening of the body politic through various forms of privatization. Murphy persuasively argues that we most resemble Rome in the burgeoning corruption of our government and in our arrogant ignorance of the world outside -- two things that must be changed if we are to avoid Rome's fate.
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Average Customer Review:
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:
Lessons from our shared past .., 2008-08-11
Since this is a commonly shared comparision it will not due to comment . However the book is well written and thoughtfully compiled. History and insight are hallmarks to a interesting subject. Enjoyable read.
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:
Good book but not surprising.., 2008-08-06
Cullen Murphy's book allows us to compare us and the Romans, in our thoughts, ideals and, sometimes, our actions. With him we compare the same merits and flaws we hold dear along with the Romans. We look at on how we treat ourselves, other nations, our military, our borders, and our brand new citizens. While interesting it isn't really very surprising and, for those who know their history, somewhat boring. A good first read but not really a re-read. Kind of a light read also, so OK for bus or air travel. You should know some Roman history to enjoy it, so it is not really for beginners but too simple for those who already have a small library on Roman history.
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:
 Does the US resemble Rome?, 2008-07-15
I first read this book last summer and have been thinking about the similarities between the two empires ever since. Next February I plan to lead a study group using this book as a text. There are so many different issues that are similar like bribery, privatization to all the border issues. During most of the book I was saddened and scared about where we are heading but became more optimistic at the end. Murphy is a beautiful writer and he explains his ideas are explained clearly.
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:
Good Question, 2008-06-20
Are we Rome? Good question. It's one that I've wondered myself. Cullen Murphy's reply to the question is pretty thorough, covering the fields of culture, foreign policy, the military, privitization of public functions, attitudes towards all things foreign, and America's overstretch in the world. There are quite a bit of similarities between Rome and America, but Murphy cautions us not to go too far. There are a lot of DIFFERENCES too. But he doesn't stop there. I especially found his epilogue, specifically the section entitled "The Titus Livius Plan," to be very helpful. In it, he offers suggestions for how America can avoid the ultimate fate of the Roman Empire. The Empire didn't "fall," it gradually faded. By 476 AD it was too weak to cope with the changed world in which it found itself. Murphy suggests how we might avoid such a gradual "fall." Well done.
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:
America is not invincible, 2008-05-12
Cullen Murphy has dispelled with this book, the notion that America is a permanent fixture on the world landscape. The link between modern America and the fall of Rome painted by Murphy is eerie to say the least. Though some of the links between the two have some circumstantial foundations, the overall message for America is clear, change or perish. A must read for those interested in American political thought.
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