American Ozymandias

Every nation goes through a period of rapid growth, and many of the more progressive ones go into an expansive period. Thus are the cycles of countries and kings; evolve, develop, grow, influence. If the growth is slow, the nation and its sphere of influence can survive for many years. However, nothing lasts. Every great nation eventually grows old, and its reach contracts until only the country itself remains. For some nations, this happened in more of an implosion; much like those cosmic cataclysms, where a bright star explodes after a massive implosion in what is called a supernova. All that remains is a dim remnant of its former self.

Empires evolve and die. That's the way it works. That's how balance is maintained.

It is easy to think that the United States is not an empire. In fact, the amount of influence our young country exerts over the globe has been tremendous, especially since the 20th century. No single country has ever had such a profound effect on the fate and fortunes of others. We have burned brighter than any other nation.

Much like those bright stars. And empires of yore. And like those super luminous stars or massive empires, the momentum to continue burning so bright is lost. Collapse is the outcome of both. Is this our fate? Only the future knows.

The words of Shelley's poem "Ozymandias" reflects the arrogance that is inherent within such societies, and it should serve as a reminder...

"...Nothing remains. Round the decay
Of that colossal wreck, boundless and bare
The lone and level sands stretch far away"