by Jeff Thomas
International Man
In the early 16th century, the Hunt-Lenox globe was drawn, showing uncharted (and presumably dangerous) areas marked with the warning: “HIC SVNT DRACONES” – “Here are Dragons.”
Subsequently, mariners sometimes adopted the phrase “there might be dragons” if they became concerned for their safety when in unfamiliar waters.
It’s now an archaic saying, yet it’s even more applicable today than in times of yore. There are literally millions of people (particularly in the EU, the U.S. and Canada) who are fearful that their country of residence is becoming increasingly less free and less safe for themselves and their wealth. Some are looking into the prospect of internationalising themselves, but a much smaller percentage actually takes the plunge. Why should this be so? Well, as in centuries past, for many, the reason is that…there might be dragons.