Mark Zuckerberg’s fascination with the Roman Empire was on full display at Meta’s annual Connect event in Menlo Park, California, where the CEO unveiled the first prototype of the company’s new augmented reality (AR) glasses. Sporting a custom T-shirt with the Latin phrase “aut Zuck aut nihil” — meaning “all Zuck or all nothing” — Zuckerberg’s choice of attire was a play on the historical motto “aut Caesar aut nihil,” which translates to “all or nothing.” This saying, associated with Renaissance prince Cesare Borgia and possibly originating from Julius Caesar himself, highlights a drive for absolute success.
Zuckerberg has long been enamored with the Roman Empire. He even spent his honeymoon in Rome, and named his children August and Aurelia after the emperors Augustus and Marcus Aurelius. Earlier this year, he celebrated his 40th birthday wearing a shirt that read “Carthago delenda est,” meaning “Carthage must be destroyed,” a phrase attributed to the Roman statesman Cato the Elder and reflecting the ancient rivalry between Rome and Carthage.
At the Connect event, Zuckerberg’s latest fashion statement served as a backdrop for Meta’s ambitious technological vision. He introduced the company’s new AR glasses, dubbed “Orion,” which are not yet available for public use and are currently undergoing internal testing. The glasses represent Zuckerberg’s vision of seamlessly integrating the virtual and real worlds. “The way to think about AR glasses is as a time machine,” he remarked. “They exist, they are awesome, and they are a glimpse of a future that I think is going to be pretty exciting.”
While the Orion AR glasses are still in the prototype phase, their development signals Meta’s determination to establish a foothold in the augmented reality market. The company has faced challenges in its previous attempts to popularize AR and virtual reality (VR) devices, but Zuckerberg remains committed to creating technology that can revolutionize how we interact with the world.
Despite Meta’s struggles, the company’s commitment to AR technology is unwavering. The Orion prototype showcases advancements that could transform everyday experiences by overlaying digital information onto real-world environments. These AR glasses aim to bridge the gap between the virtual and physical worlds, making it possible to interact with digital content in a more intuitive and immersive way.
Zuckerberg’s passion for Roman history and his drive for technological innovation are interwoven in his leadership of Meta. As the company continues to push the boundaries of what AR and VR can offer, it’s clear that Zuckerberg’s ambitions are as grand as the Roman emperors he admires. With the introduction of the Orion AR glasses, Meta is taking another step toward realizing a future where the virtual and real worlds coexist seamlessly.
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