Cato the Elder vs Wang Kai

Cato served as consul and led a campaign in Hispania Citerior, suppressing a rebellion. He used harsh tactics, including mass executions, to pacify the region, and later boasted of his victories in his writings.

Cato the Elder served as censor, implementing strict moral reforms to combat luxury and corruption. He expelled senators for immorality, taxed luxury goods, and promoted traditional Roman values, earning the nickname 'Censorius'.

Cato wrote 'Origines', the first history of Rome in Latin. The work covered the founding of Rome and the early Republic, emphasizing Roman virtues and the importance of agriculture, and influenced later Roman historiography.

Cato opposed the influence of Greek culture on Rome, arguing it undermined Roman values. He led a campaign to expel Greek philosophers from Rome and promoted traditional Roman education and customs.

Cato ended every speech in the Senate with 'Carthago delenda est' (Carthage must be destroyed). His persistent advocacy for war against Carthage influenced Roman policy and contributed to the outbreak of the Third Punic War.

Wang Kai was appointed General of the Guards, a position that gave him control over the imperial guard. He was a nephew of Emperor Wu of Jin, and his appointment reflected the influence of the Wang clan. He used his position to amass great wealth.

Wang Kai engaged in a famous wealth contest with Shi Chong, competing to display the most extravagant possessions. Wang Kai used a coral tree two feet high, but Shi Chong smashed it and produced a larger one. This contest symbolized the decadence of Jin aristocracy.