Cicero, Ancient Rome, and 21st Century Politics
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How do we prevent a democracy from collapsing into mob rule, or an aristocracy from hardening into a corrupt oligarchy? Join SPARK this Sunday, May 24th, as we dive into the political and legal philosophy of Cicero (106-43 BCE), one of the ancient world's most brilliant statesmen and orators. Living through the turbulent final decades of the Roman Republic, Cicero witnessed firsthand the erosion of constitutional norms, hyper-partisan gridlock, and the rise of populist demagogues. By exploring key excerpts from his foundational works, The Republic and The Laws, we can examine his passionate defense of civic duty, his critique of unmixed forms of government, and his ultimate argument for a balanced, "mixed" constitution, a conceptual blueprint that deeply inspired the American Founders centuries later.
This discussion is not just a historical retrospective. It is a vital lens for understanding our world today. As the United States and democratic nations globally face entrenched polarization, debates over executive overreach, and questions about the moral responsibilities of citizens and leaders alike, Cicero’s insights feel strikingly contemporary. We can debate his idea of "Natural Law", the concept that true human law must align with universal, moral reason. We may ask whether modern political systems are successfully upholding these principles or fracturing under pressure from opposing ideologies and movements. Bring your perspectives, your questions, and your appetite for lively, participatory dialogue as we bridge the gap between ancient Rome and 2026 global politics.
Our dialogue will focus on this 16 page document that includes some of the most famous passages from Cicero's writings:
Here is a 2 page summary of that document:
We look forward to seeing you there!