Human, the Great Conquerer

Not long time, Aids was held in horror and infection meant slow and painful death, not only of the victim but many times of his/her partner, and quite a few times children too. It was argued that it was a punishment of God for non-virtuous living. And almost everybody used to tend to agree. It seemed so unconquerable that people believed that no one but God could create such a thing.

But not anymore. The third generation drugs are now so effective that if used regularly, the patients can lead an almost normal life. The children will grow up normally, can get married and also have children. The probability of children of HIV mothers being HIV positive has gone down less than 50% already.

Even though HIV has not been cured as such, but bringing it under control in some 20 years or so is a big achievement in itself. We can expect that next few years will bring in vaccine for HIV and a cure for it too.

So conquest of plague of 19th century, influenza in 20th century, HIV in 21st century.

Long live the curiosity. Long live the progress.

--
Rahul Vaidya
[ http://reasonablethoughtsfromme.blogspot.com/ ]

Bigamy is having one wife too many. Monogamy is the same
-- Oscar Wilde

Leasons from Roman Empire

Roman empire ruled over half the known world for as long as 600 years. May be a longest period for any empire of that size including the british empire 'On which the sun never sets'. Even though it was an 'empire' in the sense that it had a king, for a long time the king had only nominal power. And the empire was really at peace most of the time without tyrants who were common in history all over the world.

Roman history can be split into 2 parts: Roman Republic when a senate was strong and Roman Empire when king was all powerful.

During Roman Replublic, the senate was chosen by people but was generally made up of very inteligent and educated of the people. They had enough knowledge to rule. Also the election was not restricted by birth or money nor by nationality. Hence every citizen of roman empire whether italian or not had an equal chance to become a senator and gain respect. Thouhg this was an ideal way of governing, after around 300 years of success, ambitious senators and generals started looking for gaining more power through absolute monarchy. Thus started the Roman Empire with Julius Caesar

Speciality of  Roman Empire: They ruled for 300 years..long enough considering may monarchies of this size were broken in 1 or 2 generations. Some unique points:
1. The heir to the empire was NOT present emperor's son or any relative.
2. The heir was chosen from general public, one who showed capablities to rule well.
3. Even when in the last stages when the "tenets" were broken, there was no case where same family ruled for more that 2 generation. And only 2 instances where son actually succeded the father.
4. There were many instances where a person from obscure person became emporers based only on their capability.

Are these the secrets of the success of Roman Emperor? Are we providing equal opportunity to everybody? Are our politicans really the ones most suitable to rule?

What can India learn from it? What can we do to spreat "PAX INDIANA"?

Open debate.

--
Rahul Vaidya
[http://reasonablethoughtsfromme.blogspot.com/ ]

Bigamy is having one wife too many. Monogamy is the same
-- Oscar Wilde