The Cycle of Nations

I was talking to a young man (early 20’s) the other day and he was asking me if I had ever heard about the “cycle of nations” and if I could explain it to him. He is a student at ETSU and was interested in where I thought America was within this cycle.

My view was that we have been in the apathy stage, and certainly for the past generation, have begun to slip head first into the dependency stage.

I am not a pessimist, but I also have a brain. We are in a fragile state as a nation today. My prayer is that we will wake up soon and realize freedom is never free and that personal responsibility, faith, and sacrifice are hallmarks of free, prosperous and innovative people.

I have posted below the Cycle of Nations:

The average age of a democratic nation is 200 years. From their rise and fall they follow this sequence…

The Cycle of Nations

By Sir Alex Fraser Tytler (17747-1813) Scottish born, British attorney.

1. People are in Bondage.

2. They awaken to Spiritual Faith.

3. This faith provides Courage.

4. Courage provides strength to fight for their Liberty.

5. As Free People they enjoy Abundance.

6. Abundance then gives way to Selfishness.

7. The People then become Complacent in their wealth.

8. Complacency produces national Apathy.

9. An Apathetic people look to government to provide and become Dependent on the State.

10. The People are led back into Bondage.

Tytler’s research saw this common sequence repeated throughout history. He said that democracy exists until the nation’s people realize they can vote themselves generous gifts from the National Treasury. Voters will then only vote for candidates that promise the most personal benefits. Loose fiscal (financial) policies follow and bring collapse which is then followed by a dictatorship.