"It is almost a law of history that the same wealth that generates a civilization announces its decay............

.............. For wealth produces ease as well as art; it softens a people to the ways of luxury and peace, and invites invasion from stronger arms and hungrier mouths." 

Will Durant  (1885 - 1981) was an American writer, philosopher and historian. He became best known  for the work "The Story of Civilization", 11 volumes written in collaboration with his wife, Ariel Durant. Quote from Will Durant, Will. Our Oriental Heritage: The Story of Civilization, Volume I - Photo: The Lycian Way Gate