I just figured out the basic religion of all empires

[zarus tathra]

The basic religion is power by proxy. That is, "The empire is strong, therefore you are strong. The leader is strong, therefore you are strong. The army is strong, therefore you are strong." This is true regardless of whether the empire is "democratic" or "monarchic" or "theocratic." It's also the basic pattern of all religions. You are weak, but God is Strong, and he will take care of you.

[AllPurposeAtheist]

You just now figuring that one out are ya? Well, at least you're progressing.  That's a good thing.

[zarus tathra]

Hahaha. Did I give any indications that I still held to this religion?

This is why every empire crumbles, because the "building blocks" end up becoming so weak that no structure, no matter how well designed, can make use of them.

[Solitary]

Might is right, even if it isn't in the idealist's mind, who think realists are pessimists. Solitary

[zarus tathra]

This is a specific kind of might, though, an illusory, symbolic kind of might. Think of superhero comics, or the muscle cuirass, or Hitler worship. It doesn't really matter how many people a Caesar has behind him, he's still nothing more than a man. He's only "big" because people say he's big. Even Batman in the Nolan movies acknowledges that his primary weapons are theatricality and deception.

[Sal1981]

You just now figuring that one out are ya? Well, at least you're progressing.  That's a good thing.

Your words of wisdom are always a shining paragon of light unto us.

[zarus tathra]

You just now figuring that one out are ya? Well, at least you're progressing.  That's a good thing.

Your words of wisdom are always a shining paragon of light unto us.

He's a "tough guy" whose toughness consists of bitching about everybody, yes.