In today’s fast-paced entertainment industry, where trends rapidly shift, it’s essential to be mindful of the influences we allow into our lives. With countless voices and images competing for our attention, we must carefully choose narratives that uplift and inspire, rather than those that undermine our values and who we want to be.
In this context, the lessons from the downfall of ancient Rome, and the role that entertainment played, resonate profoundly.
Character Matters
Ancient Rome had a cultural landscape that was both vibrant and complex, one woven with a rich tapestry of art, theater, and public entertainment. Yet, within this thriving environment, entertainers were not highly regarded. Despite their popularity, they were classified as infames, a label reserved for those in dishonorable professions. Considered morally dubious, actors were deemed unworthy of holding public office or shaping the civic virtues of their fellow citizens. This social stigma was not arbitrary; it stemmed from the belief that one’s character inevitably infuses all that they do, including their work, ultimately shaping the moral fabric of society.
In a society that prided itself on civic virtue, the Romans understood that art possesses the power to uplift or degrade. The character of performers mattered; actors’ lives were often filled with scandal and immorality, thus contributing to their low status in society.
The Views of Stoic Philosopher Seneca
Seneca, a key figure in Stoicism, voiced concerns about the moral implications of performance in his writings. As a statesman, playwright, and philosopher, he had a profound understanding of theater, yet he remained deeply skeptical of the influence performers wielded over society. In his tragedies, such as Phaedra and Thyestes, he explored human emotion and moral conflict. However, in works like Moral Epistles, specifically Epistle 7, he warned, “The mind is often confused by the flow of pleasure, which bewitches the senses and entices them to evil.”
Seneca’s distrust of actors stemmed not only from their craft but also from their lifestyles. He observed that many performers led lives marked by scandal and excess, making them poor moral examples. In De Vita Beata, he wrote, “It is better to be known for what you are than to be known for what you have,” emphasizing that virtue should be valued over fame.
This perspective mirrored a broader Roman suspicion of actors, who were perceived as capable of masking their true character through performance, creating a dangerous disconnect between personal morality and public influence. Their skill in adopting false appearances on stage raised concerns that such deceit could easily translate into real life, fostering a general wariness of performers as individuals who could hide their true intentions behind a façade.
Although Seneca did not extensively discuss visual art, he emphasized that virtue and a well-ordered soul are essential for engaging in any form of artistic expression. He believed that all art should aim to reflect moral integrity and contribute positively to society, and asserted “It is not enough for a man to have his actions right; his soul must also be right,” highlighting the idea that the moral quality of an artist’s soul directly influences the essence of their work.
The Decline of Moral Scrutiny
As the Roman Empire expanded, its initial disdain for actors began to fade. The social hierarchy shifted, and the public's focus turned toward increasingly sensational entertainment, favoring spectacle over substance. This shift mirrored the rise of figures like Emperor Nero, whose passion for performing reflected the growing societal acceptance of actors. Nero, an avid performer in both chariot races and theatrical shows, broke away from traditional norms, and his reign saw a significant change in Rome’s moral outlook.
As Nero took the stage—both literally and figuratively—the moral fabric of Roman society continued to fray. Public spectacles became increasingly vulgar and sensationalist. Theater performances, which had once been relatively restrained, began to feature more lewd and indecent content, catering to the public’s growing appetite for entertainment that pushed the boundaries of decency. Gladiatorial games, once emblematic of Roman discipline, devolved into brutal blood sports, revealing a growing indifference to human life and moral values.
Nero’s reign (54–68 AD) set a precedent for moral decline that lasted until the Western Roman Empire’s fall in 476 AD. His rule was characterized by cruelty and extravagance, setting the stage for future emperors who prioritized personal power over civic duty. This era saw increasing corruption and a departure from the values of responsibility and virtue.
Nero's infamous performances at the Neronia, a festival he established to showcase the arts and music, drew large crowds eager for sensational entertainment. This extravagant celebration blurred the lines between ruler and performer, as Nero reveled in his role on stage, seeking adoration from the masses. The emperor’s penchant for theatrics exemplified a broader cultural shift, where the values of integrity and civic duty became overshadowed by the pursuit of fame and spectacle.
Seneca, who served as an advisor to Nero, later lamented the cultural decline, recognizing the detrimental effects of prioritizing pleasure and entertainment at the expense of virtue. In De Tranquillitate Animi, he noted that “the greatest crimes are often committed by those who seek to appease the appetites of the masses,” suggesting that a society consumed by its desires risks losing its moral compass. Seneca emphasized that indulging in pleasure, especially through art and entertainment, easily leads to moral decay, and thus urged society to remain vigilant against the corrupting power of entertainment.
The Shift in Entertainment Culture and the Fall of Rome
As Nero’s reign progressed, the empire became increasingly captivated by displays of excess and debauchery. The moral character of public figures was no longer a prerequisite for their popularity or influence. The gladiatorial games, held in grand arenas, became emblematic of a cultural shift in which Romans, increasingly captivated by violence and brutality, developed a growing appetite for base things.
This transformation of public entertainment into a vehicle for promoting vice illustrated how art and morality became increasingly divorced from one another. The influence of actors, once regarded with skepticism, evolved into a celebration of their excesses, reinforcing the fallen notion that moral character held little relevance in the creation of art. As vulgarity and sensationalism took center stage in Roman entertainment, the influence of performers expanded, shaping public sentiment in ways that were often detrimental to societal values.
As Rome declined, its leaders used these public spectacles—whether theater, gladiatorial games, or executions—as a way to distract the populace from the corruption and instability of the government. "Bread and circuses" became the mantra of the later empire, reflecting the belief that as long as the people were fed and entertained, they would ignore the increasingly corrupt and decaying state of the empire. The moral concerns that had once shaped Roman society were pushed aside in favor of short-term gratification.
As the empire continued its decline in the third and fourth centuries AD, the deterioration of public morals became glaringly evident as Roman society eroded under the weight of corruption, greed, and indulgence. This societal shift reflected a culture in decay, one that mirrored the crumbling institutions and governance that characterized the later years of the empire.
The fall of Rome was marked by a series of external pressures, including invasions and economic turmoil, but it was also profoundly influenced by internal decay—moral, ethical, and civic deterioration. The decline of virtue in public life had devastating implications for the empire's stability. As the citizens of Rome increasingly accepted vulgarity and immorality as entertainment, in their leaders, and in society as a whole, they unwittingly participated in their own demise.
Lessons From History
As we reflect on the lessons of ancient Rome, it’s worthwhile to consider the parallels in our modern society. Many individuals in the entertainment industry navigate lives filled with questionable choices and moral ambiguity. The public figures we often admire may not always possess the moral integrity necessary to inspire a positive direction in society. This raises important questions for us to ponder: What influence do these figures have on our values, our culture, and ultimately, the very fabric of society?
In recognizing these dynamics, we can cultivate a more discerning perspective on the influences we allow into our lives. By prioritizing the virtues we admire and supporting those who strive to uphold integrity, we can contribute to a healthier cultural landscape—one that uplifts, inspires, and shapes a brighter future.
留言