societal collapse

  • The cataclysm of Chang’an [Three Kingdoms]

    In the late Eastern Han dynasty, the ancient city of Chang’an suffered an unprecedented catastrophe. In 190 AD, under intense pressure from the coalition of eastern warlords led by Yuan Shao, the tyrant Dong Zhuo seized Emperor Xian and forcibly relocated the capital to Chang’an. He ordered the entire population within a 200-li radius…

  • Dao De Jing – Chapter 46

    When the Dao prevails in the world, they send back their swift horses to (draw) the dung-carts. When the Dao is disregarded in the world, the war-horses breed in the border lands.There is no guilt greater than to sanction ambition; no calamity greater than to be discontented with one’s lot; no fault greater than…