But the worshippers and admirers of these gods [Roman pagan deities] delight in imitating their scandalous iniquities, and are nowise concerned that the republic be less depraved and licentious. Only let it remain undefeated, they say, only let it flourish and abound in resources; let it be glorious by its victories, or still better, secure in peace; and what matters it to us? This is our concern, that every man be able to increase his wealth so as to supply his daily prodigalities, and so that the powerful may subject the weak for their own purposes. Let the poor court the rich for a living, and that under their protection they may enjoy a sluggish tranquility; and let the rich abuse the poor as their dependents, to minister to their pride. Let the people applaud not those who protect their interests, but those who provide them with pleasure.

Worshippers of the self, not surprisingly, offer their “god” whatever it asks for no matter how ridiculous or dangerous it might be. Self-worshippers have no problem with the whole society acting this way (do whatever you makes you feel good) as long it keeps serving their purposes too. They say, “Do whatever it takes to keep the self-serving party going! By all means! Expand the empire! Drill, cut, burn, enslave and destroy…just as long as I don’t have to see the results. Here’s what really matters: that each person in the empire can get more stuff, stay distracted and do exactly as he pleases…at the expense of the poor…” But the poor are complicit in their own oppression saying, “I’ll degrade myself in whatever you want, just keep the empty entertainment, cheap food and beer coming. In return, you can pretend to lead us so you feel better about yourselves. We will continue to follow corrupt and cruel leaders and celebrities…as long as they keep us entertained and well fed.

Let no severe duty be commanded, no impurity forbidden. Let kings estimate their prosperity, not by the righteousness, but by the servility of their subjects. Let the provinces stand loyal to the kings, not as moral guides, but as lords of their possessions and purveyors of their pleasures; not with a hearty reverence, but a crooked and servile fear.

But don’t expect any ownership from us; no personal responsibility. And don’t you dare make any moral judgements! We don’t choose leaders and heroes because their good people, but because they’re successful. Managers, mayors, pastors and officers don’t hold CEO’s, governors, bishops and generals morally accountable. Instead, they nervously tell them what they want to hear so as not to lose their jobs.

Let the laws take cognizance rather of the injury done to another man’s property, than of that done to one’s own person. If a man be a nuisance to his neighbor, or injure his property, family, or person, let him be actionable; but in his own affairs let every one with impunity do what he will in company with his own family, and with those who willingly join him.

Laws, lawyers and judges work together to protect profits, property and propaganda, not people. If a man wants to engage in the most soul-crushing, degrading and morally damaging past-times with his neighbor’s daughter (as long as she “consents”)…that’s holy; an untouchable right! But god forbid he should scratch the neighbor’s car.  

Let there be a plentiful supply of public prostitutes for every one who wishes to use them, but specially for those who are too poor to keep one for their private use. Let there be erected houses of the largest and most ornate description: in these let there be provided the most sumptuous banquets, where every one who pleases may, by day or night, play, drink, vomit, dissipate.

We want to have sex with anyone, in any way that feels good to us. Of course, the rich can do it with impunity behind private mansion walls. But we lower classes will be content to withdraw alone into the darkness with free internet porn and degrading burlesque from corporate-sponsored clowns on our tv’s. Build us bigger houses that we can’t really afford with plenty of room for all the cars and junk we want. We’ll throw parties, waste food, degrade ourselves, endanger our neighbors, drink and drug until we puke.

Let there be everywhere heard the rustling of dancers, the loud, immodest laughter of the theatre; let a succession of the most cruel and the most voluptuous pleasures maintain a perpetual excitement. If such happiness is distasteful to any, let him be branded as a public enemy; and if any attempt to modify or put an end to it, let him be silenced, banished, put an end to.

We want to dance and sing and turn the music up as loud as we can. When boxing doesn’t keep our attention, give us wrestling. When that grows boring, MMA fights. When suspenseful movies become passé, give us slasher movies. More blood, more explosions more sex…just keep it coming. Anyone who suggests this is a problem will be shut-up, shut-down and labeled a “hater” a “bigot” and a “prude”. “

Let these be reckoned the true gods, who procure for the people this condition of things, and preserve it when once possessed. Let them be worshipped as they wish; let them demand whatever games they please, from or with their own worshippers; only let them secure that such felicity be not imperiled by foe, plague, or disaster of any kind.

It’s easy to see why the false god of self is so popular. Every desire met, every sacrifice offered to “the god” benefits you. Checks made out to “god” are deposited in your account. You always get exactly what “god” wants when you do what you want. When god is pleased, so are you. The only real hardship in this religion is protecting it from natural disasters and the other 8 billion gods competing for their share of the sacrifices.