Cycle of good times bad times
This image is a visual representation of a cyclical theory of societal change, often summarized with the phrase "Hard times create strong men; strong men create good times; good times create weak men; and weak men create hard times." Each phrase of the cycle is paired with an evocative painting that is meant to represent the corresponding societal condition:
1. "HARD TIMES CREATE STRONG MEN" - The top image shows a historical scene with individuals dressed in what appears to be early medieval or Roman-style attire, standing in front of an army and a fleet, which suggests a time of conflict or consolidation, depicting the concept of adversity.
2. "STRONG MEN CREATE GOOD TIMES" - The second image depicts a bustling classical city, possibly representative of prosperity and peace during the pinnacle of an ancient civilization, such as the Roman Empire.
3. "GOOD TIMES CREATE WEAK MEN" - The third image shows a decadent scene with individuals who are engaging in leisure and revelry, possibly illustrating complacency and excess that can follow periods of affluence.
4. "WEAK MEN CREATE HARD TIMES" - The final image portrays what seems to be a city engulfed in flames and chaos, indicating a period of decline or destruction, echoing the sentiment that societal weakness leads to turmoil.
Below the last phrase, "You Are Here" is placed in a red rectangular box, suggesting that the current societal situation corresponds to the final stage of the cycle, where society is on the brink of or
