Sand

Consciousness is more than just a heap of sand.

Shopping

To suggest we go shopping in response to a national crisis inspires nothing. This nothingness allows societal apathy a foothold. Culture stagnates. The end result is decadence unto civilizational nihilism.

Sun Tzu - The Art of War

Sun Tzu - The Art of War. I've never sat down and read the whole thing straight through. I found this handy Small Edition that easily fits in my pocket. A great gift for your warmongering brother-in-law.

Take control of the strategic balance and move. The one who understands the tactics of the circuitous and direct will be victorious.

On This Modern Warrior Archetype Part Six.9.6

9f. Western civilization appears determined to destroy itself. Two World Wars were fought to try and kill it. When a third orgy of mass destruction became became impossible,[10] it lapsed into decadence to finish the job. Its exhaustion is showing. Stronger civilizations are vying to edge its prominence out. Internally, strong cultural trends are attempting to deliver the coup de grace without an actual coup d’etat.[11] As a result, Things simply Fall Apart on Their Own. In the age of the declining state, a slow descent does allow for the possibility of mitigation by those aware of its passing. One can be blind but still have sight.

[10] Civilization should not be confused with the world.   Some things go too far.

[11] At least, the alternative would be quicker. A sure sign of decadence is the complete inability to get things over in a timely manner.

Happy New Year.