In ancient times the distance between life and death was much shorter than today. Due to this intensity of life, ancient times is an excellent period to study when it comes to the strengths and weaknesses of human nature, including the importance of beauty and sacred gifts. When we understand human nature, we can explain our history and predict the future. “There’s nothing new under the sun!”

In all the years I have had the pleasure and privilege of working with human nature and beauty, this little monument with Brutus became a symbol of the worst aspects of human nature, e.g., greed, selfishness, jealousy, envy and decadence. Traits that when out of control can result in self-destruction for both the individual as well as an entire civilization.

Was Brutus’ act the beginning of the end? Brutus thought that killing Julius Caesar would be an easy step forward. Instead, Brutus betrayed his own project. In a larger perspective, we can see today that basic human values were replaced by the never-ending hunt for money to satisfy needs, feelings, and desires. A hunt that has continued all the way up to our time.

It is a lesson from ancient times that greed and the hunt for money can destroy people and nature. In ancient times it also destroyed the plant, which is the inspiration for the symbol of the heart.