A flourishing civilization seeks wisdom, glorifies heroism, and contemplates wonder. A dying civilization seeks power, glorifies survival, and contemplates confusion. An undead civilization seeks "wellness", glorifies "authenticity", and contemplates "self-expression".

God is the first ruler in history, but Satan is the first politician.

Civilization is the process of substituting liberty for power.

The greatest obstacle to liberty is not the existence of evil rulers, but the belief in the existence of good rulers.