Author. Thinker. Other things.
Ivan the Terrible ruled through fear mistaken for strength, converting childhood trauma into absolutism. His paranoia dismantled institutions, devastated Russia, and proved that unchecked power amplifies insecurity, rewards cruelty, and destroys states claimed to protect.
The Linda Hall Library houses a remarkable History of Science collection, showcasing pivotal works like Gart der Gesundheit, Mundus Subterraneus, and Micrographia. These texts not only reflect the scientific knowledge of their times but also laid foundational concepts that influence modern science, illustrating the evolving relationship between evidence, imagination, and inquiry.
Emperor Caligula's reign from AD 37 to 41 is infamous for its cruelty and excess, shifting from a promising ruler to a tyrant following a mysterious illness. Scholars suggest factors like lead poisoning, encephalitis, epilepsy, genetics, and the corrupting nature of power may explain his decline. His tragic story warns against unchecked authority.
ERIC DORFMAN 