An interesting post, @slowwalker, describing an agrarian society that was focussed on the Confucian value of harmony--subjugating the individual will for the greater good of society.

You are right about western democracies - this concept is quite alien to us. Most of our great democratic societies have been birthed in Individualism and the rights of the Individual. The French and American Revolutions attest to that--Canada and England have had a less extreme expression of this sentiment but we largely agree--Kings and Queens should not be permitted to lord it over the people.

I would definitely walk down that middle road reserved for kings, if for no other reason than to assert my independence as an individual. Imagine secret gardens exclusive to royalty and the people who support this are struggling just to survive!

I loved the photos of the lacy tree branches silhouetted against the sky. They do indeed look mysterious.

Sometimes these remnants of the past serve a purpose to remind us of the gradual libration of all of humanity from the oppression of unjust systems. We can celebrate the art and poetry of the past but these grand monuments only serve to remind us of the progress made in human rights. Nostalgia for earlier times mostly points out the shadows.

I wish you a prosperous and joyous New Year my friend.