In John Dos Passos' "Rosinante to the Road Again," the author reflects on the strategies used by ancient Romans to maintain social order. He suggests that providing people with their basic needs, such as food, was a crucial method for keeping dissent at bay. This insight highlights the importance of addressing fundamental human necessities to achieve stability in society.

The quote underscores a timeless principle: when people are content and their basic needs are met, they are less likely to rebel or cause unrest. Dos Passos draws attention to the parallels between past and present societal dynamics, illustrating that the management of citizens' welfare can influence public peace and tranquility.