That is the key to history. Terrific energy is expended--civilizations are built up--excellent institutions are devised; but each time something goes wrong. Some fatal flaw always brings the selfish and cruel people to the top and it all slides back into misery and ruin. In fact, the machine conks. It seems to start up all right and run a few yards, and then it breaks down. They are trying to run it on the wrong juice.

C.S.Lewis. MERE CHRISTIANITY.