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__**Modern Agreement**__

In Cicero’s second book on duties he discusses the topic of rulers in great detail; specifically what makes a ruler selfish or unselfish. He advises on how a selfish ruler will take attention away from what needs to be done for society while dealing in dishonesty. A selfish ruler will use the wealth and power gained from his position to further his own end instead of society’s. In How Government Destroys Moral Character, an essay by Robert Higgs, he discusses how from birth humans are taught to respect other people’s property. He points out how if a person thinks they can get away with stealing then they will be, “viewed as a sociopath, an enemy of decency and of civilization itself.” He states how the institution of government is based on this kind of sociopathy. “Rulers take what does not belong to them and dispose of it to suit themselves” (Higgs). This goes along with what Cicero discusses in his second book. Both Higgs and Cicero see government/ officials as fully capable and likely to use their power for selfish means.



__**Historical Agreement**__

America does not consist of one race or any one religion. It is a melting pot of many cultures, people, and religious beliefs from all parts of the world. It is because of these contrasting, and sometimes uniquely similar views that America has grown and developed into what it is today; a society filled with the traditions and cultures of people across the globe. In my example I focus on the Indian people. Even though they do not make up the majority of our society, they do have groups present in our country and in effect influence modern society as well as the building of it. It is also important to expand the mind and accept that there are Hindu's in America, that their traditions agree with ideas of Cicero, and that the reflection of Cicero's ideas in their beliefs and their presence in America (the melting pot) gives all Americans of any background the opportunity to benefit from learning the ideas of their people and not staying in a cave of ignorance. This idea can be applied to any group in America. If all Americans weren't so ignorant of groups different than the ones they belong to then the prejudices that haunt this world would be greatly depreciated.
 * KEEP IN MIND BEFORE READING**

In the history of the Hindu religion a story also shows an example of how a selfish ruler operates. In Hindu tradition a story is told of the god Rama, who is the model king and hero. His story is about his dutiful conduct, bravery, and battles. It is told in the Ramayana. This story is also the story of the demonic king Ravana, who accumulated enough virtue by good deeds in his previous life to be born into his next life with tremendous power. His reward was one hundred arms and ten heads. Ravana uses his special abilities to abduct Rama's wife. The misuse of his god- given abilities brings about his demise. “In the Indian philosophical system, no one is inherently good or bad or perennially powerful or weak; all judgment in matters of power and desire depends on context, situation, and the relationship among the characters in question” (Smith). This historical Indian story agrees with Cicero and Higgs' views that a ruler can and might misuse their power for selfish ends.



__**Historical Agreement 2**__

The Mexican-American War was an armed military conflict between the United States and Mexico from 1846 to 1848 in the wake of the 1845 U.S. annexation of Texas. During this time President James K. Polk was leading the United Stated. His time in office may not have been fully characterized by selfish leadership, but it was a selfish decision on his part that brought the beginning of the war. Due to a border dispute Polk sent militia under General Zachary Taylor to the Rio Grande to protect Texas. Taylor ignored Mexican demands to withdraw to the Nueces River. Resulting, the Mexican and American troops sat close by to let tensions rise to a dangerous level. Polk told a lie that stated that Mexico had "invaded our territory and shed American blood upon the American soil. (Haynes)", when in fact it was America who had crossed the border. Even though it was viewed as a selfish decision and can be said as a decision Polk made to easily get his way, it helped America in the long run. Polk’s actions are a reflection of Cicero’s views on how a ruler is capable of using their attained power for selfish means.

Citations:

· Haynes, Sam. Personal interview. 14 March 2006. · Higgs, Robert. "How Government Destroys Moral Character." 23 October 2006. LewRockwell.com. 6 Dec 2007 .= · Smith, Caron. "The Curator's Essay." Power And Desire. 2006. Asia Society. 13 Dec 2007 . · "Spot The Difference." http://www.schnews.org.uk/images/494.gif. 6 Dec 2007 .

JWachman Period 3