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In my theory of what truly drives human behaviour, Etruscans are of central importance demonstrating that above all passion has a more powerful
effect than many other motivators. The concept of ‘Panta Rei’ (that everything flows), was conceived by the philosopher Heraclitus (c. 535 BC) when the Etruscans were at
their zenith. Up to the first century, Gaius Maecenas held an important role within the first Imperial court of Augustus, as de facto Cultural Director or Minister he led over all
cultural affairs throughout society. Eminent Augustan poets Vergil and Horace provided a common framework for and accepted wisdom on contemporary moral philosophy
and were commissioned and led by Maecenas. The name Maecenas is still widely used today to represent a patron of the arts.
