Consider this: just as Augustus transformed ancient Rome from a city of bricks to a city of marble, we too have the power to transform ourselves. Like brick, we begin rough and unpolished, but with dedication and effort, we can become extraordinary like marble. Greatness is not born overnight; it is forged through persistent effort. This transformation will take time and resilience, but the result is a masterpiece—a reflection of our fullest potential. So just as Rome became a symbol of power, we too can become symbols of our own potential.
Welcome to ‘Beyond the Footnotes’, a column where we unearth connections between the past and present to find lessons that resonate across all disciplines. We’ll explore how the triumphs, the struggles, and the ideas of those who came before us still ripple through our lives, influencing everything from our politics to our personal choices. This column isn’t about memorising timelines; it’s about making connections; it’s about seeing history not as a distant ‘then’ but as a powerful ‘now’.
Take a look around you. The leadership principles that helped ancient cultures thrive still inform modern workplaces. The bold philosophies of thinkers like the Stoics, such as mindfulness, find new life in today’s wellness trends.The fights for rights and equality of the past lay the groundwork for our ongoing struggles and victories. The ancient debates of the Roman Forum echo in today’s parliamentary halls. Every subject, from politics to physics, from art to artificial intelligence, stands on the shoulders of what came before. The past, at its core, is a mirror. In understanding these echoes, we gain clarity about our present challenges and opportunities.
Each article will explore a different theme, tracing how past ideas shape the world we live in. Whatever the focus, the goal is to spark your curiosity and offer inspiration—no matter your field of study. To see connections between the past and the present is to recognise that we’re part of something greater. The challenges of yesterday can give us courage to face today’s struggles. The achievements of others can inspire us to strive for our own. This is about human progress, growth, and potential.
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Gaius Octavius, better known as Augustus, stands as one of the most remarkable figures in history. Not only was he the first emperor of Rome, but he was also a master of both diplomacy and warfare, transforming the Roman Republic into the Roman Empire. His legacy is evident in everything from the development of Roman infrastructure to the way we organise governments today.
At a mere 19 years old, Augustus was thrust into the chaos following the assassination of his adoptive father, Julius Caesar. In an unstable political landscape, rife with betrayals and conspiracies, Augustus’ ability to manoeuvre through treacherous waters became clear. From the ashes of civil war, he rose to claim the title of the first emperor of Rome, a position that allowed him to shape the future of the empire for generations to come.
Yet, Augustus’ impact wasn’t confined to political triumphs alone. He instituted reforms that continue to influence us today, such as the creation of a standing army, a postal system, and the first police force—institutions that provided stability and security. Augustus also introduced a series of legal reforms aimed at improving the social fabric of Roman society. For example, he passed laws encouraging marriage and penalising adultery, aiming to strengthen traditional family structures. These efforts to regulate personal morality laid the groundwork for legal and social norms that continue to shape modern concepts of marriage and family.
But, as with all leaders, his final moments would reveal the true character of his character. At the age of 75, his health had been deteriorating for some time. His reign had been long and, to many, prosperous, but he was nearing the end of his life, and with it, his role as emperor of Rome. Surrounded by his closest confidants, Augustus spoke his final words—publically, he declared, “I found Rome a city of bricks, and leave it to you a city of marble.”
These words encapsulated the essence of Augustus’ reign: transformation. When he assumed power, Rome was marred by civil strife and political instability. By the time of his death, it had become an empire symbolised by its marble buildings and institutions. But Augustus’ true final words—spoken privately to his friends—were: “Did I play the part well? Then applaud as I exit.”
This statement is an important lesson for us all. It teaches us to never lose sight of the bigger picture, even as we reach for the heights of success. It reminds us that no matter how great our achievements, humility is crucial. Augustus may have built an empire, but he understood that the key to his success wasn’t just his political genius—it was his ability to play his part without becoming consumed by it. Unlike Julius Caesar, whose ambition led him to seek godlike status and ultimately cost him his life, Augustus was careful to maintain balance. As the saying goes, “once I saw a bee drown in honey, and I understood”—even the sweetest rewards can overwhelm if we lose sight of balance.
In leadership, this principle is timeless. The greatest leaders are those who recognise the power of the role they play but do not become enslaved by the trappings of power. Augustus himself, despite his divine status and public persona, never allowed himself to believe the myth of his own infallibility. He understood that leadership is a tool for something greater, not an end in itself.
Augustus was also a master of managing perception. While he promoted the image of himself as a god, he was deeply aware of the fragility of power and the importance of maintaining control without letting it overtake his sense of purpose. The delicate balance he struck between maintaining a powerful image and staying grounded in reality is what allowed him to thrive and ultimately be remembered as one of history’s greatest leaders.
But his life wasn’t without flaws. Like any ruler, Augustus made decisions that were unpopular and at times ruthless. He had enemies eliminated, allies betrayed, and laws passed that shaped Rome in ways that were beneficial but also controversial. For example, his moral reforms were seen as oppressive by many, and poets like Ovid, who was exiled for violating Augustus’ laws on morality, would argue that his reign stifled creativity and freedom. Augustus’ pursuit of stability, peace, and prosperity came at a cost, and for some, his methods left scars that overshadowed the achievements he claimed to have made. Yet his legacy remains one of order and reform—a stark contrast to the chaos that had defined Rome before his reign.
The story of Augustus teaches us that leadership is not about seeking glory or fame. It’s about understanding the role you play in a much larger narrative and fulfilling it to the best of your ability. Like him, we all have parts to play—whether in the grand drama of politics, business, or personal life. The true measure of our success is not in the titles we hold or the wealth we accumulate, but in the legacy we leave and how well we played our part.
Augustus’ final reflection, asking if he played his part well, is a question worth considering for all of us. In life, we will each have a role to play. The key is to fulfil that role with purpose, humility, and a deep sense of responsibility. In doing so, we ensure that our exit, like his, will be met with applause rather than silence.
And so, as we reflect on the life of Augustus, we remember that greatness is not about how high you rise but about how you carry yourself along the way. Like Augustus, we too must play our part well, knowing that the true test of our leadership is how we leave the world behind.