Читать книгу Money Mammoth - Ted Klontz - Страница 22

To answer that question, we will visit ancient Rome. Two thousand years ago, Rome was the most powerful civilization in the world. Its aristocrats were incredibly wealthy. They lived in sprawling estates, had slaves to do their manual labor, and received the best education and health care available. The story of Alex mirrors that of many of the children of Roman aristocrats. The clearest path to wealth and status was political, and the quickest path to political office was a resumé of military accomplishments. To this end, these young men would sacrifice all the luxury and comfort that Rome provided to travel thousands of miles away and risk health, life, and limb in the pursuit of military distinction.

The short answer as to why young men behaved that way: It was all about their ancestors. Roman aristocrats had a tradition of making wax masks of the men in their families. The masks were usually made when someone reached the age of 40 and only if he had achieved a noteworthy political rank. The mask was a sign that he had achieved the minimal level of social status needed to be recognized as successful within the family. The mask showed that he was on a similar path to achievement and social prominence as his ancestors who were similarly recognized. These masks were stored in the reception room of their atriums and were arranged next to labels of the highest political offices held by each person. They were worn by actors during funeral processions, but were also shown to visitors.

Next to the collection of wax masks was a chart illustrating the family tree, with painted portraits of the ancestors. Nearby would also be a collection of armor and weapons captured by their ancestors, prominently displayed family achievements that would be seen by anyone who visited the home.

Located in the entryway and near the center of the villa, these tributes to the family's history and accomplishments were displayed for all to see. It would not have been uncommon for the family to walk visitors through the space, showing off the military trophies and political distinctions and telling stories about the trials, tribulations, and achievements of their ancestors.

Imagine what it would have been like to have been a child growing up in such a home, hearing stories about the various artifacts, pictures, and accomplishments of your ancestors, which were so prominently displayed. What must it have been like to have been shown a sword taken from a Carthaginian officer by your great-great grandfather in the Battle of Agrigentum in Sicily or hearing about how your grandfather helped restore Roman honor as a general in the Battle of Carthage in North Africa?

This deep connection to the past would help you make sense of the privilege you were now enjoying, and more important, the sense of duty and responsibility that accompany your privilege. Imagine how your self-esteem would be bolstered as you were told that you, as a direct descendent, have the same blood coursing through your veins. That the traits of courage and wile are built into your very being. You would believe that the highest levels of accomplishment for you are not only possible but are expected. That your ancestors are watching you, supporting you, and encouraging you to take the family to the next level. It is not hard to imagine that growing up in this way, you might develop an intrinsic motivation to do your part to maintain and grow your family's wealth and status and the belief that you could do it.