Men Don't Struggle for Power -
That isn't What Men Do.
Not if They're Civilised.
They size each other up,
and
Elect The Most Competent.
“[he was] not naturally wicked but, on the contrary, as guileless as any man that ever lived.
His great simplicity, however, together with his cowardice, made him the slave of his companions, and it was through them that he at first, out of ignorance, missed the better life and then was led on into lustful and cruel habits, which soon became second nature.
”
And this, I think, Marcus clearly perceived beforehand. Commodus was nineteen years old when his father died, leaving him many guardians, among whom were numbered the best men of the senate.
But their suggestions and counsels Commodus rejected, and after making a truce with the barbarians he rushed to Rome; for he hated all exertion and craved the comfortable life of the city.
Cassius Dio
”
