The quote, “Union gives strength to the humble” was written by Pubilius Syrus and is sourced from the Maxims. It represents brilliance in the strategy that led to the success of the Roman Empire in its youth. The unity and its result, Pax Romana , the peace of Rome was a golden age for Europe. This was in most part due to the ability of the Romans to create a union by appeasement.
The nutshell of Syrus’s quote is that to be united, you must always compromise. However this compromise should not cost the greater good. Too much compromise caused the very Empire of Rome, to collapse.
After more than two millennia, the same quote applies more than ever to the new empire of Europe, the European Union. Encompassing around sixteen countries with endless variations in languages cultures and religions, compromise becomes inevitable. So far the EU has been able to discuss most of the issues by promising a brighter future for all its constituents. Come depression and the quote will be tested to its utmost. Compromise and dialogue will frustrate as parties will want more for themselves and less eager to give in. If Publius and his Europe can overcome they will reap the benefit of a stronger union and prosperity. There are however, always chances that they won’t.
Essentially, what should be expected of the Union would be to ensure that leaders use calm judgments to proceed with decision making. Laws such as the banning of Burqas in France are classic examples of internal conflicts of the EU. How European in member of the Union. That is the question.
In order to blend into a team, one must do some sacrifice.
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