I listened to 8.5 hours of The Fall of the Roman Empire by Nick Holmes. Some striking similarities in bullet-point format from someone who’s understanding is at a kindergarten level:
The Roman Empire was a quasi faux-Republic - candidates preselected to some extent, then elected by a minority of the population to give the impression of a republic.
It went from a republic, to something of an empire / kingdom with selfish power-hungry aspiration for authoritarian control.
The beginning of the downfall started with a lax attitude/laziness in the military.
Understanding the origins of the term “crossing the Rubicon” allows you to retroactively digest the first, second impeachment, Russia-gate hoax, January 6. Julius Caesar understood that when he crossed the Rubicon river, he was performing an irreversible act.
The Roman empire had international allure. People wanted to be part of the Roman Empire because of what it represented.
The beginning of the end was exemplified by the Empire having to concede Empire land embarrassing defeats.
The empire ended up fighting internally, and was divided internally.
Another definitive point of the decline was debasing the value of Roman coins.
Spreading yourself, too, thin globally, not being able to support a military, financially or through rigourous training.
The Roman empire effectively paying off those who would otherwise threaten them/invade them. Not much different than US global expenditures today.
That about sums up my summary understanding. Food for thought.
Funny thing is coming into our hotel, I pointed at the mountain and told the others we’d have to take the trolley up. Started off on what was supposed to be a 1.1 mile jog, 700 foot elevation. I made it to the summit. Heavenly
I still prefer Florida, and I prefer the American spirit.
But nature is glorious!
I did a quick hit on Richard Syrette yesterday. Gotta keep Canadians apprised of the U.S. madness.
[ BEING KIND AND MERCIFUL IS OF THE HIGHEST CURRENCY NOW]
"David Brymer - Soaring Devotional (great sound)"
First impressions: I haven’t been overseas in over a decade.
Europe has a very distinct smell. I remember it from France. Like burnt rubber everywhere.
The lineup to get in for people coming from certain countries was probably half a mile along. There was an expedited entry for American and Canadian visas.
I don’t trust the police here at all. Everything about the experience so far reminds me of Eurotrip.
The infrastructure is not just antiquated. Dilapidated. The protective barrier around the airport looks like Alligator Alcatraz. I seriously thought there was something of an encampment outside the building, until I realized it was just the protective barrier for the airport itself.
I watched Moneyball on the airplane. Had never seen it before. One of the best movies I’ve seen in years.
Managed to sleep a couple of hours. Drank plenty of water.
We are waiting to take the train to Switzerland. Met up with the Rumble gang. Everyone’s looking good, and it’s good to be with friends.
Will...
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. INTRODUCTION
A. Art of the Day
B. Wisdom of the Day
C. Cultural Recommendation
D. Appearances
II. THE EVIDENCE
A. Daily News of Interest: Curated from the Barnes Library
B. Daily Deep Dive: Budapest or No?
C. Cases of Consequence
III. THE CLOSING ARGUMENT: The Message of Mamdani
I. INTRODUCTION
A. Art of the Day
The tall French doors, the sunlight slipping in amidst the shadows, the desk with files stacked, the overcoat and old school hat, awaiting thought or observing contemplatively, the true gentleman appears ready to soon take action in a time where men were men.
B. Wisdom of the Day
“The secret of politics? Make a good treaty with Russia.” Otto von Bismarck.
C. Cultural Recommendation
Surviving Hitler in St. Petersburg, a documentary detailing the shock and horror of the Great War, a generational-defining experience for Putin’s own parents.
D. Appearances
II. THE EVIDENCE
*Note: A reminder — links are NOT endorsements of the ideas contained therein. The Library is big, and it mostly consists of ideas I do not personally share.
A. Daily News of Interest
*Bonus: Trans agenda origins.
B. Daily Deep Dive: China Trade War
*Bonus: China debt bubble.
C. Cases of Consequence
*Bonus: More Ukraine property right violations. https://www.courthousenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/m.s.l-tov-v-ukraine-echr-jugment.pdf
I. INTRODUCTION
A. Art of the Day
B. Wisdom of the Day
C. Cultural Recommendation
D. Appearances
