“In reading the History of Nations, we find that, like individuals, they have their whims and their peculiarities, their seasons of excitement and recklessness, when they care not what they do. We find that whole communities suddenly fix their minds upon one object and go mad in its pursuit; that millions of people become simultaneously impressed with one delusion, and run after it.”
Charles Mackay, Extraordinary Popular Delusions and the Madness of Crowds, 1841
"Greed compels the materially obsessed to obtain the greatest piles of chips, but in the long term renders their chips to be almost worthless because they are unable to stop their fraud and plundering, even when it is in their best interests. They are not governed by rationality or conscience or even common sense. For periods of time oligarchies are able to survive in an uneasy equilibrium enforced by power, but ultimately these wickedly wealthy wither and die on their great piles of gains."
Jesse, Crony Capitalism, 17 December 2010
"They come readily to define themselves as inherently worthy of what they possess; they come to believe themselves 'naturally' elite; and, in fact, to imagine their possessions and their privileges as natural extensions of their own elite selves.”
C. Wright Mills, The Power Elite, 1956
“The ambition of Caesar and of Napoleon pales before that which could not rest until it had seized the minds of men and controlled even their unborn thoughts.”
Robert W. Chambers, The King In Yellow, 1895
"Through our relationship with the Incarnation, we recover our true humanity, and at the same time are delivered from that perverse individualism which is the consequence of sin. The incarnate Lord makes his followers the brothers of all mankind."
Dietrich Bonhoeffer, The Cost of Discipleship, 1937
Stocks were slumping early in the day, but managed to find a footing and end the day in the green.
It's a familiar story of late. Plop and prop.
Gold and silver both gained after early losses.
Today was an option expiration for the metal futures on Comex.
This monthly contract is more significant for silver than for gold.
The Dollar chopped around and finished a little higher.
VIX followed stocks pop and flop.
I think this market is dancing on the rim of a volcano, for a number of reasons previously stated.
But that's just my judgement, and it could be wrong.
But it influences my positions and play in the markets.
I also think that some of my largest concerns about the course of events in the world are slowly coming to fruition.
Pride fosters a lust for power and money, lawlessness and greed, that ultimately kills.
And both are on full display in the Western countries. Murder and lies. It's their generational signature.
"You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies." John 8:44
The only force that can stand against this is love, empowered by faithfulness to the implications of the Incarnation.
Evil cannot comprehend, much less overcome, the powerful love of the cross, the symbol of humility and service.
Have a pleasant evening.
