Publisher's Synopsis
Ruins or Meditations on the Revolutions of Empires and the Law of Nature is a philosophical work by French writer and philosopher, Constantin Fran�����ois de Chasseb�����uf, comte de Volney, first published in 1791. The book is a reflection on the rise and fall of empires throughout history and an exploration of the underlying principles of nature that govern their cycles.Volney draws on his extensive travels throughout the Mediterranean and Middle East to provide a detailed analysis of the ruins of ancient civilizations, including those of Egypt, Greece, and Rome. He uses these observations to develop a theory of the cyclical nature of empires, arguing that all great civilizations inevitably decline and fall due to a combination of internal corruption and external pressures.In addition to his historical and political analysis, Volney also explores the role of nature and natural law in the rise and fall of empires. He argues that the same principles of growth and decay that govern the natural world also apply to human societies, and that understanding these principles is essential for creating a stable and just society.Throughout the book, Volney challenges many of the prevailing beliefs of his time, including the idea of divine providence and the notion that certain races or nations are inherently superior to others. Instead, he advocates for a more universal and egalitarian view of humanity, rooted in a deep understanding of the natural world and the fundamental principles that govern it.Overall, Ruins is a thought-provoking and insightful work that continues to resonate with readers today, as we continue to grapple with the challenges of creating a just and sustainable society in a rapidly changing world.1890. Contents: Condition of Man in the Universe; The Primitive State of Man; Principles of Society; Sources of Evils of Societies; Origin of Governments and Law; Causes of the Revolutions and Ruin of Ancient States; Lessons of Times Past Repeated on the Present; Will the Human Race Improve; The New Age; A Free and Legislative People; Universal Basis of all Right and all Law; Conspiracy of Tyrants; The Search of Truth; Religious Contradictions; Religious Idea; Worship of the Elements and of the Physical Powers of Nature; Worship of the Stars, Symbols, Idolatry; Dualism; Moral and Mystical Worship Worship of the Universe under Diverse Emblems; The Element of Fire; Religion of Moses; World religions; The Law of Nature, plus much more!This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.
