In another thread there was a discussion, going nowhere, in which was brought up the question of what causes the fall of civilizations. I finally found a reference on the subject and a book
Fantastic Families: 6 Proven Steps to Building a Strong Family. This is a new, updated version (with additional research ect.) of a book printed in 1985
Family Building: Six Qualities of a Strong Family. I had mentioned how difficult it was to find information on the subject outside of the professional field, a statement amusingly enough backed up by a Library Journal review of the first version:
Quote:
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for the layperson, the scholarly bibliography citing journal articles, dissertations, and theses (there are only two popular references) drastically limits follow-up.
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So, since I figured there was no way we were all going to start a book club, purchase copies, and discuss it, I figured instead we could discuss a quote from the book by one of the authors,Dr. Nick Stinnett:
"As we study some of the ancient cultures such as that of Egypt, Rome and Greece," says Stinnett, "we see a common pattern: When these cultures were coming into the peak of their power and glory as nations, the family was strong. It was important and was valued very highly. Family members cooperated with one another. They depended on each other.
"Then, as these nations progressed along their paths of destiny, the family came to be not so highly valued, the culture became extremely individualistic. It was a 'do your own thing' philosophy to an excessive degree. The families deteriorated. When that happened the societies themselves fell."
In many discussions on this forum where people are asked their opinion on everything from drugs to abortion a lot of people respond, "who cares? It is the individuals choice and has nothing to do with me." (paraphrased) Yet according to Dr. Stinnett it is that very attitude that may be ripening our own civilization for a fall.
So what do you think? Does it matter what people do because it effects society on a whole and may destroy us OR do you feel that the individual independence from the morals of a "traditional" society are worth it and there is no risk?