What the Colosseum Reveals About Certainty - Food for Thought

The Colosseum in Rome has always held a special place in my imagination, ever since my high school Latin class.

Back then, I had a vivid mental picture of what it looked like, paired with tales of gladiators and ancient spectacles. But nothing could have prepared me for the experience of standing before the actual structure. Seeing it in person, I was struck by its grandeur and the intricate details that no textbook or photo could ever fully capture.

What amazed me even more was learning about the Colosseum’s multifaceted history.

Over its nearly two thousand years of existence, this iconic monument has transformed repeatedly. Beyond its origins as an arena for public entertainment, the Colosseum has been a fortress, a Christian shrine, and even, believe it or not, a private residence and farm for several centuries. Each layer of its history adds a new dimension to its identity, revealing how something so seemingly fixed can evolve in ways we might never imagine.

This experience led me to reflect on the many things I think I "know" with certainty. Just like my initial understanding of the Colosseum, there are countless areas where I might only be seeing a fraction of the whole picture. It's a humbling reminder that what seems straightforward and clear-cut often has layers of complexity beneath the surface, waiting to be discovered.

So, I ask you to consider:

What in your life do you feel absolutely certain about?

Could it be that there’s more to the story, more depth, more nuance than you’ve yet to uncover?

Just a little food for thought.