Frightening

Talk about your worst-case scenarios.

But isn't civilization always on the verge of destruction. I was reading about Emperor Heraclius earlier today (during one of many study breaks; I can't seem to focus). Check the article out, he's definetely an impressive guy. (Also, those who think William the Conqueror was responsible for what we traditionally consider feudalism should read about themes, an interesting system I learned about as a child but really examine some more; after all, it did save the Empire.)

You have no idea how much I really wish the Empire had never crumbled. Orthodox/Catholic relations would be so much different (who knows, maybe Re-Union may have been affected by now). Philosophy, art, civilization itself (there would have been no Renaissance, since the Byzantines would not have had to flee their homes for Italy and the West; consequently, there would have been no Enlightenment; rather than these jarring, historically unhelpful periods civilization would have grown up much more organically, remembering more of the past in the process and creating a more fully integrated present as a result).

A man can dream, can't he? Fairy tales do have their use. Perhaps he can also take steps to ensure that the mistakes of the past are not repeated.