“Nil novi sub sole,” the words of Ecclesiastes, meaning “there is nothing new under the sun”. These words, however, might cast a shadow over our spirits as we approach the New Year 2025. Despite this, many of us have likely resolved to embrace new beginnings, renewed enthusiasm, and have made numerous preparations to face the coming year with optimism.
Anything new is undoubtedly captivating. If we observe the “entertainment” on the news, we see shows brimming with admiration and praise for couples in love or newlyweds. However, when divorce looms, insults come not one by one like spies but as an overwhelming battalion. “L’histoire répète!” History repeats itself.
The saga of human life, from the dawn of civilization to the present day, has been marked by greed for wealth, the pursuit of romantic entanglements, and relentless power struggles. Consider the love stories that have captured the world’s imagination. Many writers have immortalized the beauty of Cleopatra (69–30 BC), whose romances with Julius Caesar (100–44 BC) and later with Mark Antony (82–30 BC) remain legendary. The film “Cleopatra,” starring Elizabeth Taylor (1932–2011), is a testament to this timeless story.
Further, the tale of Theodora, the central figure in Paul Willman’s novel “Woman,” continues to captivate readers. And we must not forget the epic biblical narrative of “Samson and Delilah,” which stands as a powerful symbol of love and betrayal.
Power struggles are pervasive. Every nation and culture has tales of succession that often send shivers down our spines. In politics, there is a Latin adage, “Hostis aut amicus non est in aeternum; commode sua sunt in aeternum,” which means: there are no eternal friends or enemies; only interests are eternal. Even the Vatican, a sacred city, is not exempt from these power struggles. Brenda Ralph Lewis, in “The Dark History of the Popes: Vice, Murder, and Corruption in the Vatican,” illustrates how intrigue and conspiracy pervade each narrative.
In contrast, “Throne for the People,” a biography of Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono IX (1912–1988), inspires us with optimism by highlighting that the Sultan never used his privileges for personal gain.
Robert Harris, in “Imperium,” illustrates that wealth was a central point of competition among Senators. Cicero (106–43 BC) famously remarked, “Fish begins to rot from the head,” suggesting that corrupt leaders must be the first to be removed. The pervasive influence of money has been evident since ancient Roman times, playing a crucial role in societal dynamics. This led to the coining of the phrase “Pecunia non olet,” meaning “money does not stink” – essentially highlighting that everyone has an affinity for money. Even humor reflects this sentiment: “Money is Almighty.”
“Nil novi sub sole,” nothing new under the sun. Greed, lust, and power struggles remain the mainstay of our society today. Opinions in print and electronic media, filled with political clowns elected by the people, flood us incessantly. The common folk are weary and tend to be apathetic. “Vox populi vox Dei,” the voice of the people is the voice of God. Let’s hope God does not choose the wrong representatives of the people.
Watching these political clowns, we echo Cicero’s cry, “O tempora! O mores!” Oh, what times! What morals! This expression is a quote from Cicero’s speech against Catiline (109–63 BC), a Roman politician, on November 8, 63 BC. Those accused feel no shame. Bravely, they “sing” and hold press conferences. O tempora! O mores! But we need not be pessimistic or apathetic. In the midst of adversity, there is still hope.
Ancient Greek mythology tells an interesting story about “Pandora’s Box.” It was said that a box contained all kinds of calamities in the form of small brown-winged creatures, decorated with mesmerizing ornaments, naturally making everyone want to open it. Pandora, the woman, was intensely curious about its contents. Despite being warned not to open it, she did. When the box was opened, calamity ensued – all sorts of diseases, bad habits, and evils were unleashed upon humanity. Regret always comes too late. Pandora was devastated. The joyous shouts turned into tragic cries. Complaints of pain and fear of death echoed everywhere.
However, compassion arose in the hearts of the gods (cf. Prometheus, the god who loved humans by giving them fire). The gods “sent” a benevolent being, Hope, to heal the wounds inflicted by the unleashed calamities. Hope then flew out the window and extended the same healing to other victims, reviving their spirits. Despite its small and seemingly insignificant presence, Hope has a tremendous influence on the survival of humanity.
The experiences of the Ingalls family invite us to reflect on how we handle new situations with optimism. The ten novels by Laura Ingalls Wilder (1867–1957), including “Little House in the Big Woods” and “Little House on the Prairie,” are filled with challenges, yet they are approached with a resilient and hopeful spirit.
As God says, “There is no use in recalling the past, no point in remembering the old things. See, I am doing a new thing; now it springs up, do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland” (Isaiah 43:18-19).
As we enter the New Year 2025, we prepare to start a new chapter, much like Pandora’s box being opened, unleashing both challenges and opportunities. I am committed to setting good intentions and plans for the year ahead. I will strive to improve and be better than before. However, if mistakes and errors occur, I will remind myself, “Mistakes have existed since the time of Adam and Eve.” And I would add, “Nil novi sub sole,” nothing new under the sun.