2/3 done. slow at first but the empire cycle, comparisons and historical background is very useful and interesting to learn about. also reminds you that there are so many factors playing through out society and the world. especially the growing wealth gap that's kinda built in the system and needs to be delt at some point.

Ray writes that basically the only way for an empire to keep the relative power longer is to be more productive and not get complacent and decadent. fair point. but i think it's a pretty crazy proposition to think that you always have to work harder and smarter to deal with the money printing.

bitcoin seems a more balanced system. still prob won't solve global competition for wealth and power.