Repressive regimes are prevalent once again throughout the world. What is it about freedom that frightens those who live their lives shackled to order and strict regimens?
Maybe that’s it – insecurity due to lack of empathy for those who take the unconventional paths, push boundaries and challenge dogma.
Emperor Augustus was a bit like that. Fed up with all the louche behaviour of the Roman aristocracy, and it was full-on debauchery, he was determined to restore high moral values and issued edicts to that effect.
Ovid liked a bit of loucheness but was more interested in poking fun at killjoys with his witty poetry. I have yet to read Ovid’s Metamorphoses, but look forward to a slow read.
Ovid sailed too close to the wind and got himself banished to the furthest point East of the Roman Empire.
odespinner 