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Historical Context:
This enduring quote is attributed to one of the most famous generals of all time- Gaius Ilius Caesar- when he decisively crossed the Rubicon River in Northern Italy, an act of declaration of war against the Res Publica.
This quote expresses the irrevocability of his decision, symbolising a bold step with uncertain yet significant actions. Now, it is normally used to describe moments of irreversible consequences.
Origin of the phase:
This quote was first recorded by the Roman historian Suetonius in The Twelve Caesars. According to him, Caesar uttered the phrase in Greek, but it wa more commonly known in Latin.
Reflections:
The allusion to the die is a potent use of symbolism. It evokes thoughts about free will versus fate. Once a die is cast, the outcome is already determined- the only choice we have seems to be whether or not we cast the die. It references the intricate interplay between human agencies and the unpredictability of events.