If people don't want to witness the growth of certain crisis phenomena, the 21st century is relentlessly sweeping over them. Russian historian Andrei Fursov has coined the term "Sidonius Apollinaris Syndrome" to describe this. He draws inspiration from Sidonius Apollinaris, a Christian bishop, writer, and poet in ancient Rome. A significant collection of letters he wrote to friends and family has survived, offering an essential look at 4th-century history. In one of these letters, Sidonius describes the world as a peaceful and tranquil place. He writes: ”We are living in magnificent times, peace and tranquility reign everywhere; I sit by the pool at my villa, a dragonfly hovers over the water, the world is beautiful”. However, not long after, the Roman Empire collapsed. Fursov points to this historical blindness, noting that it is "partly due to ignorance and partly simply a reluctance to see and understand."
Today, we live in an era of political and economic stagnation, marked by an increasing number of global conflicts. The situation seems to worsen with every passing day. Fursov argues that we are witnessing the "quantitative accumulation of negative trends," and at some point, "quantity turns into quality." In other words, these trends may reach a tipping point, leading to a dramatic change. Historical events can unfold quickly and unexpectedly. Fursov recalls a friend's grandmother commenting on the collapse of the Soviet Union, saying, "You can’t imagine how fast it happened. Before lunch, all the shops were still open, but by lunchtime, everything had already shut down." This sudden shift demonstrates how societal structures can unravel at a startling pace.
Fursov believes that old structures and institutions are beginning to falter in the modern world. He underscores that such periods of transformation often lead to the renewal or collapse of social and political systems. The European Union, for example, could face collapse due to internal contradictions and external pressures. Could we be witnessing the disintegration of a new "Eurostate" that would dramatically reshape Europe’s political landscape?
Similarly, the political polarization within the United States, Trump’s foreign policy stance, and the rise of Russia and China may weaken NATO’s influence in the West. This could result in a series of power-political upheavals, where traditional alliances fall apart, leading to new global power structures.
» Characteristic of dark times in history. «
Fursov advises that in order to survive under harsh conditions, it’s crucial to analyze and understand current trends. But it’s equally important to be physically prepared for scarcity. "The entire 21st century will be filled with battles on all levels," he warns—within the elite, between the elite and the middle class, and between the lower classes and the elite. This kind of turmoil is characteristic of dark times in history. Additionally, the massive influx of migrants contributes to the chaos, creating a situation resembling the Brownian movement. In this environment, Fursov argues, one must be ready to seize opportunities as they arise. Over the next 20-30 years, he believes, people will be united by a common desire to preserve their place in history as bearers of a particular civilization and cultural code. However, this tradition, which is over a thousand years old, is now under threat.
Unfortunately, the current trajectory offers little reason for optimism. Globalization, technological revolution, and the erosion of cultural identity seem to be intensifying. If we fail to stop and assess where we are headed, we risk ending up in a world where the past is forgotten, and the future is severed from its roots.
» We are living in magnificent times, peace and tranquility reign everywhere;
I sit by the pool at my villa, a dragonfly hovers over the water, the world is beautiful. «
Gaius Sollius Modestus Sidonius Apollinaris: Aristocrat, Poet, Diplomat, Senator, Prefect of Rome, Consul,
Gaius Sollius Modestus Sidonius Apollinaris: Aristocrat, Poet, Diplomat, Senator, Prefect of Rome, Consul,
Bishop of Clermont, Torchbearer of Faith, Father of the Church, Saint of the Roman Universal Church; 450 AD.
Today, we live in an era of political and economic stagnation, marked by an increasing number of global conflicts. The situation seems to worsen with every passing day. Fursov argues that we are witnessing the "quantitative accumulation of negative trends," and at some point, "quantity turns into quality." In other words, these trends may reach a tipping point, leading to a dramatic change. Historical events can unfold quickly and unexpectedly. Fursov recalls a friend's grandmother commenting on the collapse of the Soviet Union, saying, "You can’t imagine how fast it happened. Before lunch, all the shops were still open, but by lunchtime, everything had already shut down." This sudden shift demonstrates how societal structures can unravel at a startling pace.
Fursov believes that old structures and institutions are beginning to falter in the modern world. He underscores that such periods of transformation often lead to the renewal or collapse of social and political systems. The European Union, for example, could face collapse due to internal contradictions and external pressures. Could we be witnessing the disintegration of a new "Eurostate" that would dramatically reshape Europe’s political landscape?
In 451 AD, Attila the Hun, leader of the Huns, invaded the Western Roman Empire, specifically Gaul
(modern-day France), marking a significant military campaign against the weakened Roman state.
Similarly, the political polarization within the United States, Trump’s foreign policy stance, and the rise of Russia and China may weaken NATO’s influence in the West. This could result in a series of power-political upheavals, where traditional alliances fall apart, leading to new global power structures.
Fursov advises that in order to survive under harsh conditions, it’s crucial to analyze and understand current trends. But it’s equally important to be physically prepared for scarcity. "The entire 21st century will be filled with battles on all levels," he warns—within the elite, between the elite and the middle class, and between the lower classes and the elite. This kind of turmoil is characteristic of dark times in history. Additionally, the massive influx of migrants contributes to the chaos, creating a situation resembling the Brownian movement. In this environment, Fursov argues, one must be ready to seize opportunities as they arise. Over the next 20-30 years, he believes, people will be united by a common desire to preserve their place in history as bearers of a particular civilization and cultural code. However, this tradition, which is over a thousand years old, is now under threat.
Unfortunately, the current trajectory offers little reason for optimism. Globalization, technological revolution, and the erosion of cultural identity seem to be intensifying. If we fail to stop and assess where we are headed, we risk ending up in a world where the past is forgotten, and the future is severed from its roots.
了解你的敌人
Know your Enemies.
Know your Enemies.
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