Hic Est Rex Illuminati Mundi by Mondwin
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Description
First of all be understanding, drawing quality is not great because of reduced size and quality to be within the limits of Renderosity. As other times in the past, the title is not correct Latin because I have privileged the musicality rather than grammar.
Along human history many people aspired to global power, to be 'The King of the World'. Many historical figures were considered (or considered themselves) as King of the World: from Ancient Egyptian Pharaos to Roman Emperor, Middle Age kings and Queen Victoria. In the past, the only limitation in achieving this goal was the impossibility of doing so (mainly due technology and social limitations, but not only). Today is another story. Globalization can be seen as a stage in the worldwide dominance of an elite or a single man. Today, technology allows to do anything, anywhere in the world. Nations, ethnic groups, peoples, traditions are no more obstacles for economic and political activities. Even more than in the past, them are only tools used and abused for PRIVATE and PERSONAL purposes by powerful people.
I will spare you the Conspiracy Theories. You can believe it or not. The main fact is another: anyone who has the material ability to exercise power, leadership and authority, he will do it. This is part of human being. But:
- What is the limit between authority or leadership and despotism?
- Or between cultural influence and domination?
- Or between the global market (for all people) and financial speculation (for elite only)?
And so on.
I also have another question/observation to do, and this is the main idea of my picture above. Consider for a moment the idea of 'The King of the World' (if it is real or impossible, now it is not conclusive). I believe that the power of 'The King of the World' is only apparent. Perhaps we are his subjects (and prisoners), but he also is a prisoner (and subject)... of the world.
Someone (maybe) governs the fate of the world, but the world is not what we think, not only. If you remember my previous post about Anima Mundi and related consideration, you can understand the fate of the world is simply beyond all human possibilities. Do you really think that one or more men may decide in place of Mother Nature or God? Who are we to decide in place of Mother Nature or God?
(Note: for the background I have used one of the many available photos of famous 'Pillars of Creations' part of the Eagle nabula. For more info start from
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pillars_of_Creation
and many other web sites. The meaning of my choice is evident: in a similar place began the history of the Earth, the world which everyone wants to dominate. But still you have to ask yourselves about immense forces of the creation. Really men can dominate these forces?)
Away from any consideration, there is a fundamental difference between the past ages and the present day (and a dark future): in past ages few people wanted to become King of the World, today there are so many ... too many.
So I have to repeat what I wrote for my previous work:
Each of us, honestly, knows or should know the answer. Maybe it's time to follow the heart, to use the reason, not the cruelty and abuse. It is time to think about, it is time to build our future not to destroy it.
Comments (264)
oscillator
You have a very interesting and original style, and something to tell. A great combination. I feel that the head is a little too big on this image, also the color of the upper and lower body doesn't exactly match. But these are minors points and maybe something done deliberately.
Foink
Words of wisdom and a fantastic image. Excellent work my friend!!!
coyoteviper
most interesting thought and concept. your mind works in deep thoughts. A realm few step within.
XenoDreamSoftware
Great use of space images!
Spacer_01
Very well done! You make a lot of great points. I guess its human nature, for many to use and abuse when they have the power to do so. Some not so readily and apparent in which at some point that gradual downhill slope eventually happens. While I said many, I didn't mean everyone though, as true to humanity, there is also the polar opposite, those who are humble and selfless throughout their entire lives. Neither end of the spectrum is good or healthy, but at least there's hope, for humanity still has some self worth, and aspects worth redeeming.
Ken _Gilliland
excellent work
pregiato
Ottimo lavoro e gran bella idea.Ciao
Robert_S
very impressive! one year and one work... now I have to wait.
sanzi
I feel an advanced message.
Kerya
Such a wonderful picture and a very thoughtful text. It makes me think ... thank you!
bob4artist
I've looked through your gallery. It's nice to see some art that actually has some thought behind it. Well done. - Bob
DMFW
Thought provoking words to match a powerful image. It's not unreasonable to ask "how will it all end?" (for the "king" and for all of us...)
Froggy
A nice thought indeed but after 200000 years we haven't done it yet and I suspect we never will! Great render and text by the way!!
myrrhluz
I have thought a lot about what you wrote since I read it a few days ago. It seems to me that there are two different kingdoms being discussed here. There is the kingdom of Men over other humans and the kingdom of Man over the world. When former emperors spoke of being king of the world they really just meant of their world, of their place, and most especially of the people and resources in it. They could control the people, but had only limited control over the Earth, even their small part of it. Globalization is a double edged sword when it comes to controlling people. It gives many tools for domination, but also makes controlling what people know harder. One of the main tools of subjugation is to control information, and that is harder to do today. But we are in a world where entrenched self-interest of the wealthy and powerful, and passive acceptance by the many, is causing a greater gulf between those who have and those who have not. The powerful have both the means and the cunning to see to their own interest. Progressive movements are difficult to sustain and take dedicated and inspired leadership. I don't see enough of that in the world today to combat the money and power of the elite. Controlling the Earth is a whole different matter. The Earth is a living organism and we are a part of it. In that sense, I agree that even the most powerful, are chained to it. Man has neither the power or understanding of Earth's complexities to control it. It's possible he might kill it, change it from a living world into a dead one. Or the Earth may instead enter into a very hot period which would cause mass depopulation, but it would remain a living planet, and humans themselves might survive, though at a much reduced number. I think there are a lot of variables, and it is hard to know what will happen. But most scientist have come to a consensus that there will be hard times ahead. If global warming shrinks resources and there is less water and arable land, chaos could ensue. Warfare, massive depopulation, who knows. There are scientists who believe that that is where we are heading. That we will (or maybe already have) start a cascade of events that we will be unable to stop, That we are entering a time when mere survival will be what men strive for. Human society thrown into turmoil and emerging very different. The most powerful humans will have a better shot at survival, but uncertainty will be rife. I don't know, but I do believe we are heedlessly hurling ourselves in a very dangerous direction. All of us, even the most powerful, may find ourselves powerless against a situation that we have helped bring about. Beautiful image and thought provoking words.
grrrduhbear
Very aw some work you do this reminds me of Thor well done. I also thank you for your comment on my April 1 st photo. I need to get back to my photography work, so many other things keep me away from it. Bless you and have a good day. Jimmy
Manfred78
the image illustrates very well the idea, that we are depending on our planet
ArtistKimberly
Outstanding,
tennesseecowgirl
beautifully done Whylma!!! great to see a post from you again :)
teffo
Very few can bring out such as excellent image and creation that provokes the mind. Please make more!! George/Teffo
HADCANCER
Very dramatic image. I lioke it. Song? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kfUPL5KQuiE
DarkAngelGrafics
Wow...its georgeus..love it!
virginiese
Great artwork
leroysquab
A brilliant combination of visual arch-types and philosophical exposition. Outstanding!
Dreamingbee
oh my - i am so late - sorry for this !! .. this is so powerfull work and thoughts ! .. amazing art !! love your work my friend hugs much heike
Ralfromgens
great artwork and interesting writing
helanker
OH WOW! What a stunning image this is... and thought provoking words too :)
jocko500
from Nimrod to the man of sin thinks they could rule the world. Only one is worthy to rule the world and he is king of Kings. Jesus wonderful work
icerian
Excellent collague. I like the combination with space elements. Very well done!
elleque
Awesome! Great creation!
Vagabund
Conan - not chained to a tree but to the globe... Nice idea... I want to beliefe that the cruel barbarian is bound for the next 1000 years so mankind can live in peace. I try to think positively... :-)