[A repeat from March 29, 2018] Between 1776 and 1788, English historian (and Member of Parliament) Edward Gibbon published his classic 6 volume work The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire. It is interesting to examine the causes of the decline – and fall – of the grand Roman Empire which expired in about 476 A.D. — not with a bang but a whimper. Reasons for decline?
Ongoing wars and heavy military spending
Failing economy and high inflation — and high unemployment among the working classes
Declining morals, ethics and values
Demand for blood and violence in entertainment (Gladitorial “games”)
Antagonism between the Emperor and the Senate
Political corruption
Hero worship of athletes and actors
Dilution of the Roman language
Many of these qualities listed seem to be present in America and the world. George Santayana in The Life of Reason commented “Those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it.” Are we on a downward slope? At least now we have legal gambling, porn and drug use. Please note – I am just the messenger. . . .
Renaissance Hombre 
For a broader look, read Ray Dalio’s Principles for Dealing with the Changing World Order.
Dalio sees a pattern to the rise and demise of world empires over the history of civilization.