Mastered by the Lust for Mastery - Augustine's account of the earthly city

"Most glorious is the City of God: whether in this passing age . . . or in the security of that eternal home which she now patiently awaits . . . . In this work I have undertaken to defend her against those who favour their own gods against her Founder. . . .

I know . . . what efforts are needed to persuade the proud how great is that virtue of humility which, not by dint of any human loftiness, but by divine grace bestowed from on high, raises us above all the earthly pinnacles which sway in this inconstant age. . . .

Thus, when the nature of the work here undertaken requres us to say something of it . . . we must not pass over in silence the earthly city also: that city which, when it seeks mastery, is itself mastered by the lust for mastery even though all the nations serve it."

The City of God, Book I, Preface (Dyson, trans.)