02228cam a22003613u 4500 1397 UtSlPG 20260610133044.0 m cr n 260607r2006||||utu|||||o|||||||||||||| d UtSlPG en iso639-1 D Volney, C.-F. (Constantin-François), 1757-1820 Les ruines. English The Ruins; Or, Meditation on the Revolutions of Empires and the Law of Nature Salt Lake City, UT : Project Gutenberg, 2006 1 online resource : multiple file formats text txt rdacontent computer c rdamedia online resource cr rdacarrier Translation from French of Les ruines Release date is 2006-05-03 Produced by Donald Lainson; David Widger "The Ruins; Or, Meditation on the Revolutions of Empires and the Law of Nature" by C. F. Volney is a philosophical treatise composed in the late 18th century. The work delves into themes of society, morality, and the cyclic nature of empires and civilizations, using historical reflections as a backdrop for its exploration of human existence and governance. The opening of the book introduces the author’s journey across the once-prosperous regions of Egypt and Syria, where he contemplates the ruins of past civilizations. Volney reflects on the stark contrast between the ancient splendor of these cities and their current desolation, spurring meditations on the causes of societal decline and human misery. As he interacts with the remnants of grandeur, he confronts haunting questions about fate, divine justice, and the responsibility of humanity for its own sufferings. This poignant engagement sets the stage for his deeper examination of the laws of nature and society, encouraging readers to seek wisdom from history to understand their present conditions. (This is an automatically generated summary.) Original publication data not identified Revolutions Ethics History -- Philosophy Religions https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/1397 43513 43513