“Most men are followers, and implicitly rely upon the judgment of others. They mistake solemnity for wisdom, and regard a grave countenance as the title page and Preface to a most learned volume. So they are easily imposed upon by forms, strange garments, and solemn ceremonies. And when the teaching of parents, the customs of neighbors, and the general tongue approve and justify a belief or creed, no matter how absurd, it is hard even for the strongest to hold the citadel of his soul. In each country, in defence of each religion, the same arguments would be urged.”

All men but a few are; selfish, greedy, power crazy, and self centered - they don't question authority or the the news which masquerades as as being independent of government, military, and corporate propaganda. We are without doubt in an age of total control by the oligarchy and its echelon of corporate and military puppets. The ONLY way to free ourselves from this spiral of degradation is to revolt against the matrix.... good luck!

A very winded statement to describe Threskeia religious activity. External aspect. Officious parade. Ceremonial observance. The opposite of true love, Threskos as demonstrative in true love.

Robert and Ron, well stated. The reliance of others from adamant patrons of the religion "socialism" supersedes all other established (im)moral expressions (as exemplified by all materialist societies (for example: U.S., U.K., Russia, China, etc.)

True, whether about religious fundamentalism or secular fundamentalism (statism). Careful, though, disagreeing with these folks can be dangerous -- after all, they are 'right' and you are 'wrong.'

Total lack of individualism.