Similarities (us and them)

Still reading Simkhovitch on ancient Rome. Caveat: I know little-to-nothing of history. I quote things and offer my impressions. If I have something wrong, let me know.

Simkhovitch's topic is the decline of population. Beginning on page 234 (35 of 44 in the PDF), he writes:

We have no statistical data for Rome... Certain, however, it is that the degree of depopulation was such as to compel extraordinary measures. And so it came to pass that morals and children became political issues. Recall the puritanic campaigns of Caesar's heir...

Simkhovitch goes on for about a page, listing "puritanic campaigns" of Augustus and later emperors, and comes to this thought:

In the beginning of the fourth century we find still more far-reaching alimentary attempts. To put an end to infanticide Emperor Constantine in 315 orders his fiscal administration to provide for the children of all poor parents residing in Italy, who have not the means to provide for and educate their children.

Today, "right to life" concerns are presented as an entirely moral issue. No concern is expressed about our slowing population growth. At least, no concern about population growth is expressed as a right-to-life concern, far as I know.

Simkhovitch quotes Emperor Constantine in Latin, something like letting children die is a crime we can not permit and says:

The sentiment is a noble one, but back of all these measures is the more and more pressing necessity of maintaining the Roman population if the Roman state is to be maintained.

You can't populate an adequate army if your population is inadequate.

//

I can't end it there. I have to leave you with Simkhovitch's view of the Roman Emperors' efforts:

They were trying to affect the results of a certain given situation, without in the least affecting that situation itself.

They were concerned about the decline of population, but did not address its cause.