Culture expands

leverage conquers

“Come on over here,” she called to him, “and tell us how our world domination has tiny beginnings - that's your specialty.”

“Most humbly,” he came over, “we start with a little explorer or two, not even roads to travel upon, climbing mountains for better views, settling every village, scavenging every ruins.”

“Yes,” she continued, “and all the time we researched and developed, while it still cost less to do so while new.”

“You are right,” said he, “and quietly we leverage on certain fulcrums that multiply our efforts at civilisation, like paths, formulae, warriors, and infrastructure.”

“I know how to dissemble: make peace with all, embassies for mutual benefit, build-up at the borders.” She smiled.

“And then fell every other mighty forest, one painstaking swath after another.”

“You clever, cunning boy.”

“One does what one has to.”