Expert: Michael Troy - 2/21/2005

Question
Hi,

I was wondering if you know of any examples where empires or civilizations have fallen because their people were obssessed with the past and with traditions and refused to change and accept new things.


Thanks,
Adrien


Answer
Typically, it is not the case that a great civilization simply fails because it refuses to change.  Unless the change comes very quickly, at some point the civilization will at least attempt to adapt to the changed conditions.

Sometimes they do not have time.  For example in the early 20th Century, the Polish people were very proud of their cavalry.  They had some of the finest swordsman and horsemen and did not make much effort to modernize.  When the cavalry went up against Nazi tanks, they were slaughtered.

Most great ancient civilizations such as the Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, etc. had many longstanding traditions and a sense of history.  But in each case, the empires became weak because of complacency and could not build up their strength in time to meet new powerful threats.

Some traditions certainly weakened many empires.  For example, the Aztecs sacrificed thousands of people for religious purposes.  These people could have been useful as slaves and soldiers when fighting the Spanish.  But again, if the Spanish had not been a new and unforeseen threat, they probably could have adapted.

Historcally, traditions and lack of change last as long as the people can get away with retaining that luxury.  But if it becomes apparent that change is necessary to avoid destruction, most choose change.

- Mike