Polybius, c. 150 B.C. (vi, 56):

The quality in which the Roman commonwealth [the U.S.] is most distinctly superior is, in my judgment, the nature of its religion [Covid measures and Global Warming]. The very thing that among other nations is an object of reproach — i.e., superstition — is that which maintains the cohesion of the Roman state [the U.S.]. These matters are clothed in such pomp, and introduced to such an extent into public and private life, as no other religion can parallel. . . . I believe that the government has adopted this course for the sake of the common people. This might not have been necessary had it been possible to form a state composed of wise men; but as every multitude is fickle, full of lawless desires, unreasoned passion, and violent anger, it must be held by invisible terrors and religious pageantry.

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