TM Prompt #179 Empire

“What most people don’t seem to realize is that there is just as much money to be made out of the wreckage of a civilization as from the upbuilding of one… There’s good money in empire building. But, there’s more in empire wrecking.”Rhett Butler, ‘Gone With The Wind’ (Margaret Mitchell).

It is clear that Mr. Rhett Butler obviously understands the Laws of Power. Empires rise and Empires fall. People tend to be most generally complacent and stupid. They hate change. They resist it; never realizing that the very fabric of Life itself is always about change. Without it, like it or not, things stagnate, whither and die. But most do not pay attention to the cycles of change and even from this can be found profit and a way to not only survive, but to thrive. My own life has been long, I have seen and assisted in any number of literal empires in their rise and fall. And I have, from the inevitable rising and falling, profited from it.

Much has been written about how to wage war, how to build an empire or to preserve it or to strike one down. I have done both. Those who would build empires or tear them down forget one thing. They forget the rules of engagement with the opposition. Dreams of glory through full frontal assault make ordinary men (or women) into pocket potentates. And yet, not every war has been won with such blatant assault.

In this game that is Life, we all mean to win. None of us enter it setting out or even expecting to lose. But in order to win, you must realize that for most, the intellect loses to emotion. Groups think emotionally. The members of any given group will only change their course if something directly affecting them and their lifestyle is at stake. If they have something to lose, or if rather greed sets in because of a fear of lack. If you manipulate a situation just so, they will behave in a manner that cuts along the lines of instinct and therefore they will do as you wish them to. And they will do so simply because they cannot help themselves. And if you are the calm in the storm, more often times than not they will do whatever you ask. Thus, the tides of Power shift and you can be there to reap the rewards.

Muse: Fanny Fae / Faelyn
Fandom: Original Character
Word Count: 353

Crossposted to

2 Comments

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2 responses to “TM Prompt #179 Empire

  1. They hate change

    now there’s a topic for discussion

    there are many reasons why people do not appreciate change

    but alas, if I were to expound upon this subject in your journal, I’d feel as if I were intruding.
    In fact, to comment upon anything in anyone’s journal anymore leaves me feeling like I’m imposing myself

    • Re: They hate change

      You need never feel as if you are intruding, Dean. I do appreciate vey much what you have to say, so please, comment away. 🙂

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