On 10 Oct 2014, at 11:05, Kenneth Barns wrote: > > On 10 October 2014 01:40, Ros Knox & Michael Barry <xxxxxx@homemail.com.au> wrote: > China has been mentioned as a parallel for the Vilani, but this discussion puts me in mind of ancient Sparta. > > <snip discussion of Sparta> > > Thanks - that was all new info for me. It makes one wonder what societal trauma would be be required to make such drastic changes to a society in the space of a lifespan or two. From recent history, you need look no further than Germany in the early and middle twentieth century. They didn't go as far as Sparta, but both the nazis and the East Germans were well into turning their people into their own jailers. From the Hitler Youth of the NSDAP to the legions of informers maintained by the STASI you can see a drastic cultural change from what had, in the previous century, one of the most liberal cultures in Europe. As for the trauma necessary, to do that, well, they hadjust lost two major wars... Regards, Andy -- Andrew Long Andrew dot Long at Mac dot com
