History, as the saying goes, may not repeat itself, but it often rhymes. The rise and fall of empires—from the Romans to the Mughals, the Ottomans to the British—reveal patterns of overreach, division, stagnation, and the erosion of trust. These cautionary tales not only shed light on the past but also provide a lens through which we can view the challenges of the modern world.

How do these historical lessons resonate today? Can we spot the same warning signs in the leadership styles and policies of modern figures, such as Donald Trump?

A timeless analogy might offer insight:

“Ants grow wings when it’s time for them to die soon.”

This poignant metaphor, found in many cultures, reflects the idea that excess—whether in the form of overexpansion, arrogance, or unsustainable growth—often precedes collapse. Let’s explore how this analogy applied to great empires of the past and what it might reveal about the present.

1. The Roman Empire: Overexpansion and Fragility

At its zenith, the Roman Empire stretched from Britain to the Middle East, but its vast territory became increasingly difficult to manage. Economic strain, military overextension, and internal instability set the stage for its decline. The Romans’ failure to consolidate their gains left them vulnerable to external threats and internal decay.

Modern Parallel: Donald Trump’s “America First” policies, designed to prioritize U.S. interests, led to strained international relationships. Trade wars with China, tensions with NATO allies, and withdrawals from global agreements like the Paris Climate Accord highlighted a short-term focus that mirrored the Romans’ overreach.

Lesson: Expansion without consolidation leads to fragility.

2. The Mughal Empire: Division and Polarization

Under Akbar the Great, the Mughal Empire flourished, with policies emphasizing inclusivity and unity. However, Aurangzeb’s rigid religious orthodoxy alienated large swathes of the population, sparking rebellions and divisions that weakened the empire’s foundations.

Modern Parallel: Trump’s polarizing rhetoric and policies, such as travel bans targeting specific countries and inflammatory cultural statements, deepened divisions within the United States. Like Aurangzeb, Trump’s leadership often prioritized loyalty over unity, fostering an “us vs. them” dynamic.

Lesson: Division weakens the foundations of any empire.

3. The Ottoman Empire: Economic Stagnation

The Ottoman Empire once ruled vast territories but faltered as it failed to adapt to the Industrial Revolution. Economic stagnation and reliance on outdated systems left the empire ill-prepared for a rapidly modernizing world.

Modern Parallel: Trump’s economic policies, including tax cuts and deregulation, fueled short-term growth but also deepened economic inequality and ballooned national debt. Like the Ottomans, these short-term gains masked deeper vulnerabilities in the economy.

Lesson: Sustainable growth demands adaptation and long-term foresight.

4. The British Monarchy: Erosion of Trust

As democratic institutions gained prominence, the power of the British monarchy eroded. Public demand for accountability and transparency reshaped the monarchy into a largely ceremonial role, underscoring the importance of public trust in governance.

Modern Parallel: Trump’s frequent attacks on key institutions—such as the media, judiciary, and electoral process—undermined public trust. His leadership style highlighted the dangers of eroding the systems that sustain stability and governance.

Lesson: Trust in institutions is the bedrock of stability.

Final Thoughts: The Wings of the Ant

The saying “Ants grow wings when it’s time for them to die soon” serves as a stark reminder: unchecked ambition and excess often precede collapse. From the overexpansion of the Romans to the divisions of the Mughals, the stagnation of the Ottomans, and the erosion of trust in the British monarchy, history offers us invaluable lessons.

In the modern era, figures like Donald Trump bring these historical patterns into sharp focus. What may appear as strength or transformation at first often carries the seeds of its own decline.

The question, then, is not whether history will repeat itself, but whether we can learn from it. How can we build systems and societies that prioritize sustainability, inclusion, and adaptability? The answer may well determine whether we rise above the cycles of history—or succumb to them.