Quotes / Humankind

Narrator Quotes

Era quotes

Our Universe contains infinite stories... Most of which are about rocks and ice, at subzero temperatures, in a vacuum. Rather boring. However, on a small, damp rock, there is a story that bears a second look.
It's your story... But the first four billion years or so mostly concern amino acids. Not much of a page-turner. But then, over time, the amino acids bond together, and things start to get interesting... And a bit drier.
A certain subspecies of hominid discovers that you can do more with a sharp rock than annoy your little brother. Tools and weapons are invented; the hominids begin to cooperate. Fire becomes a servant, rather than an unpredictable force of nature. They learn to tan the skins of animals for clothing... They learn ways to record -and probably exaggerate- their adventures. Eventually, these tribes learn to build shelters... And immediately hold the first barbecue parties.
This is the dawn of humankind. Struggle and cooperation—have been rewarded. The Neolithic Era draws to a close: the whole world beckons. This tribe has come far, but the rest of their story is your story. YOU are the one who will build them into a great civilization. How far will you push Humankind?

— Neolithic Era intro

Ah, the challenges of a young civilization. It's hard keeping up with the neighbors when they have the wheel, and you don't... Humankind learns quickly that everyone contributes: if you're terrified of wild animals you can grow lentils or catch fish.
Tribes settle towns: towns develop markets: and markets begin the exchange of goods, services, and -most important- rumors and hearsay.

— Ancient Era intro

As urban centers grows, both ideas and sewage are generated at a record pace. Arts and sciences flourish, as military tatics and mathematical equations become as coveted as physical goods.
Empires struggle to control these intangibles, however, as some might trouble their stability...

— Classical Era intro

Wisdom and technical innovation from earlier eras bring humankind new knowledge... And we immediately use it to find new ways to kill each other off. Greater empires build more powerful armies, but brute strength may be defeated by superior innovations. It is brains versus brawn, with ever-richer cities as tempting spoils for the victor.

— Medieval Era intro

Geography, Cartography, Algebra, Optics... Astronomy! It is a time of discovery and exploration: but discoveries are not made solely by traders and adventurers. Those who explore with ships and caravans would go in circles without those who explore with pens and parchement...

— Early Modern Era intro

The world gets larger as cities expand, buildings reach higher, and roads stretch longer. And yet, the world gets smaller as bridges unite lands, towns congest, and railroads bring distant goods to the doorstep. Anything seems possible in this wondrous future... Though as humankind grows, the planet itself appears to shrink.

— Industrial Era intro

The human mind, creative, imaginative, and ingenious at turning every single human invention to its most violent end. We pray or hope, looking forward to a future which, with luck, will be counted in millennia, not in months...

— Contemporary Era intro

Culture quotes

First line is for chosing the culture, second is for meeting it.

Ancient Era

So now we advance as the warlike Assyrians… You're not going to be a very nice neighbor, are you?
The Assyrians! The fact that they have horses and siege engines might indicate their preferences as a neighbor…

— Assyrians

This means more than just markets for the Babylonians. It's also the beginning of mathematics, astronomy, and a set of codified laws that I wouldn't want to be caught breaking…
So these are the Babylonians… It can only be an advantage to have a neighbor as smart as you are.

— Babylonians

The Bantu move fast, farm well, and make friends wherever they go. Perhaps the markets can wait.
They move fast and put down strong roots, the Bantu. You may be seeing much more of your neighbors.

— Bantu

With the Caralans' talent for construction, you can enjoy both markets and monumental pyramids.
So you have Caralan neighbors! I've heard these builders value cooperation—you'll soon find out whether that extends to you.''

— Caralan

Entering this era as the Egyptians, then? No prizes for guessing how you plan to leave your mark.
They're impressive, the Egyptians. It's a fair bet that you'll be embarrassed if you compare cities with them.

— Egyptians

While the Harappans certainly had markets, they left few remains. Please, show us what they might have done!
The agrarian Harappans! You're as likely to meet their canals and farmers as their soldiers.

— Harappans

So you want to skip the benefits of the market and move ahead as militarists! Let me grab the popcorn and sit back.
Rapid and dangerous, the Hittites. Get ready to hear the sound of chariots when you least expect it.

— Hittites

Now, we need to find some Trojans for you to either trade with, or vent your wrath on.
And now you've met the Mycenaeans. Let's hope relations go well; their forts are rather formidable.

— Mycenaeans

Your markets will be the birthplace of your famously canny merchants, who will in turn provide the means to equip your famously effective archers.
Greetings to the Nubians! Now there's some good fortune — a neighbor who may be more interested in commerce than conflict.

— Nubians

As far as markets go, we know the Olmec traded their marvelously crafted goods of jade, but we know little more… This is your story to write!
They have a certain appeal, the Olmecs. Be careful that your people don't start liking the neighbors more than you…

— Olmecs

How appropriate to start with a market, now that you will be leading the original traveling salesmen.
The Phoenicians are famed for good ships and smart traders. Best to watch your coastlines — and your coffers.

— Phoenicians

Not just markets for the Sumerians, but also the scribes to keep track of their crops. Ah, administration...
The Sumerians! Time to brush up on your cuneiform, if you'd like to impress these scribes with spears.

— Sumerians

Perhaps you don't really need to focus on markets when you have deep philosophers... and dangerous chariots.
So these are the Zhou? With luck, they'll prefer thinking and meditating to unleashing their chariots.

— Zhou

Classical Era

As far as ideas go, you'll need to get comfortable with the idea that the troops are not actually immortal.
Fascinating, the Persians. They probably just stopped over to say hello. And build a palace or two…

— Achaemenid Persians

And now, the Aksumites! Good with tangibles and intangibles; as skilled at barter as they are at battle.
The Aksumites — farmers with faith! But be careful — those swords look wicked.

— Aksumites

Speaking of dealing in intangibles — am I about to see lots of offers that can't be refused?
Keep a wary eye on the Carthaginians. With strong ships on the waters and elephants on land… one hopes they will stay friendly.

— Carthaginians

Now you're choosing the agrarian Celts? Let's hope they learn their cooking from the French side.
So these are the renowned Celts? Whether or not their soldiers are naked, they are armed and dangerous.

— Celts

If it's ideas you're interested in, the Garamantes are doing marvelous things with irrigation.
Do my eyes deceive me, or are these the green-thumbed Garamantes? I would watch out for their horses.

— Garamantes

It's not really a question of intangibles with the Goths; there were a lot of tribes and a lot of travel.
Mobile and militarist, the Goths. You can probably guess that this relationship will not be an easy one.

— Goths

New ideas lead to new strategies — and I'm sure the Greeks will spend time arguing the merits of them all!
Devilishly clever, these Greeks. I would be more afraid of their wit and their words than of their troops.

— Greeks

Where intangibles meet the practical, the Han really excelled. Like the fine art of diplomacy... and crossbow production.
And now we meet the Han! Scientists, diplomats, and daunting opponents.

— Han

And here come the Hunnic hordes, who are going to turn other empire's property rights into intangibles...
So now we have the Huns as neighbors — raiders on horseback. It's going to be a challenge to put up with them.

— Huns

Looking for ideas? How about science and elephants! I'd say the Mauryans had a couple of good ones there.
The impressive Mauryans — science, faith, and culture. The only worrying thing about them are those elephants…

— Mauryans

The Mayans had excellent ideas for construction and calendars, though they were a bit weak on arches…
And now we have encountered the Mayans. Those javelins are as unpleasant as their cities are wonderful.

— Maya

For the Nazca, the earth itself was a canvas for their art. An idea of epic proportions.
A captivating culture, the Nazca. There may be much to learn from your neighbors—unless you lose your head.''

— Nazca

Though the Romans did indeed appreciate intangibles, I might be tempted to say that their most famous creation was their legions — which were very tangible indeed.
The Romans! I'm sure they'll be lovely neighbors. Don't let words like "expansionist" and "militarist" give you the wrong idea.

— Romans

Medieval Era

I'm not thinking of brains or brawn, but of corn, chocolate, and chilies... The Aztecs are a culture that makes my stomach rumble.
I hope for your sake these Aztecs turn out to be friendly. The last thing you want is to be their prisoner of war...

— Aztecs

Diplomats who also happen to have a very convincing cavalry—now that's innovation.
It is said that your Bulgarian neighbors once sipped wine from the skulls of defeated enemies. Probably nothing to worry about.

— Bulgarians

Speaking of rich cities, I suppose there are far too many syllables to coin the phrase: "When in Constantinople, do as the Byzantines do.
A remarkable culture, the Byzantines! Perhaps they'll prefer to talk and trade rather than send in the Varangians.

— Byzantines

Whatever you think of the agrarian English, don't complain about their cooking. They'll come after you with their longbowmen…
Ah, the pastoral English. Leave them to their farms and everything should be fine. And maybe get rid of the yew trees…

— English

They may have had a mighty army… But to be honest, "King of the Franks" sounds like something you'd eat at a baseball game.
The Franks have a reputation for being after either knowledge or territory. In other words, I suspect they'll be either a very good neighbor — or a very difficult one.

— Franks

Brute strength and innovation? How about trade, travel, and a lifestyle supported by tolls. I'd say the Ghanians were on to a good thing.
The Ghanians could be a challenge. Will you see their camels as part of their trade caravans, or military formations?

— Ghanaians

For innovation and brute strength, the Khmer present you with sophisticated hydraulic engineering and ballista-equipped elephants! I like it.
It should be pleasant to deal with the Khmer. They're builders at heart; the elephants only come out in extreme cases.

— Khmer

Feats of both muscle and innovation? Look no further than the construction of the Mississippians' awesome cities.
Enter the Mississippians! Formidable builders, and fierce fighters. I do hope you two get along...''

— Mississippians

So will all those Mongol horses in this era lead to well-fertilized farms and fields for the next?
There is not a lot to say about the Mongols, except I can't think of too many ways that this meeting turns out well for you.

— Mongols

Whether trading or raiding, the Norsemen deserve credit for both naval innovation and brute force.
It must be said that sighting a Norseman in a longship does not always turn out to be a happy event.

— Norsemen

Between brains and brawn, the Swahili went with… luxury. Not an unreasonable decision.
The Swahili are famously lavish traders and hosts. They could make for very good neighbors, or very dangerous enemies.

— Swahili

It must be noted that the Taíno found brilliant ways to live from the oceans and a remarkably fun way to settle disputes.
The Taíno are renowned for their canoes and fresh catch of the day. Perhaps they'll play ball with you.''

— Taíno

The Teutons did indeed have great cities with great cathedrals. But don't forget their great armies, with great ambitions.
Beware the Teuton believers — they have both strong beliefs and heavy cavalry. Not an empire to be taken lightly.

— Teutons

As far as innovation goes, the Umayyads were famed for mathematics and medicine. But I have to say that their cities as well were true jewels of civilization.
As a general rule, wealth and wisdom are more interesting for the Umayyads than warfare. As a general rule...

— Umayyads

Early Modern Era

It seems the Dutch have both ships as well as pens and paper. Not to mention their vast quantities of cheese.
These Dutch are known as a culture that expands their trade fleets at the same pace as their bank accounts.

— Dutch

After all, who really needs an emperor to run an empire if you have a shogun?
The aesthetes of the Edo era! An ancient and refined culture. Who will be happy to hack you to pieces if you annoy them.

— Edo Japanese

A stable, successful, ecologically pragmatic culture. There is something to be said for matriarchies.
If you treat them right, you'll only know the Haudenosaunee as peaceable farmers.

— Haudenosaunee

From mountaintops to river valleys, the Inca certainly made great strides in exploring the world—and in conquering it.
Terrifically impressive, the Inca. But I wouldn't get too comfortable with these troops next door—they're not known for friendliness.''

— Inca

The Joseon era was certainly famous for its ships. I wonder if their scholars worked with brushes and parchment, however, rather than pens…
The Joseon dynasty of Korea! Chances are good you can learn something from them — either in science or in shipbuilding.

— Joseon

Less ships and more shepherds, the Maasai made an art of tending their herds.
So these are the pastoral Maasai! I recommend not disturbing their herds, unless you'd like to get to know their warriors' clubs.

— Maasai

Will the world remember Ming China for its caravans carrying brilliant ceramics, or for its hunger for the territory those caravans traversed…
Ah, the Ming. Very cultured. They show their sophistication with tea, and their displeasure with missile rockets.

— Ming

So did you choose them for their impressive constructions? I bet it was the elephants with cannons...
Creative, these Mughals. Why merely train elephants for war, when you can go that extra step and mount artillery on them as well?

— Mughals

The world wonders if anybody could do as well as Suleiman. They didn't call him "the great" in flattery.
They are a zealous people, the Ottomans. You have the choice of respecting them for their devotion or fearing them for their armies. Or both.

— Ottomans

Often the Poles are chosen for their striking Winged Hussars; the hidden bonus is that they come with pierogies.
At last we meet the Poles. Their cavalry might have wings, but they are definitely birds of prey.

— Poles

Let's see whether a different leader can write a less tumultuous version of the history of the Spanish empire...
Keep an eye on the Spanish. They aren't just devout believers, they're devout believers with a mission and troops to carry it out.

— Spanish

Even the famously efficient Swiss mercenaries operate like clockwork! And they're more than ready to take sides.
Ah, the Swiss! Since they're famously neutral, you should have nothing to worry about here... right?

— Swiss

Seafood, sea power, and all of that with a sea view. One could do much worse.
These jolly Venetians may look like nothing more than traders with boats, but their arts are as great as their navies.

— Venetians

Industrial Era

With booming cities, bountiful lands, and thriving trade, it seems the Argentinians are ready to tango.
At last, the Argentinians! If you prefer trade to facing expert cavalry, I would attempt to stay on their good side.''

— Argentinians

If other empires won't open their front doors to your artists and thinkers, you can send in your agents the back way…
Excellent diplomats and spies, the Austro-Hungarians. Very civilized. Very cultured. Very likely to know more about you than you do.

— Austro-Hungarians

We will see if the planet has now shrunk so much that the British empire can reach its arms around it…
The British Empire! Those red-jacketed soldiers may be very visible, but their invisible network of influence is what you have to worry about.

— British

Armed with military firepower and progressive ambitions, where will the Ethiopian Empire set its sights?
A very modern military, the Ethiopians. Between their faith and their fortresses, I would advise approaching with caution.

— Ethiopians

Born in the great era of enlightenment revolutions, will the French live up to their best, or launch another round of Terrors?
The French in one of their moments of glory! Who could have imagined that a bunch of scientists could look so dashing on horseback?

— French

A powerhouse both of industry and of political philosophy! Though I hear it was a challenge to keep both the factories running and the workers happy.
Clever on many levels, these Germans. Their industrial plants and artillery are famous. But it's the invisible U-boats that are the real concern.

— Germans

Even centuries after the Renaissance, Italy remains a hotbed of painting, culture, ideas, and short tempers.
Keep an eye on these Italians. Putting your back to a cliff won't protect you from their cultural influence or their Alpine troops.

— Italians

Everyone talks about Mexico's revolutionary heroes, mural painters, and passionate people. Please; don't forget the agave.
The Mexicans may be viewed as simple agrarians, but their troops are single-minded — and silent.

— Mexicans

The grand bridge between the great Safavid empire and modern Iran; a difficult job in a challenging place.
Much can be said about the Persians: vast trade routes, grand palaces, and — true statement — the Peacock Throne.

— Persians

Incredible writers, poets, painters, and ballet stars — but they do have to suffer through the most terrible winters for their art.
So the Russians are very mobile, very devout, and very ambitious. This will be fun to watch, but maybe not to live through.

— Russians

Home to countless great philosophers, scientists, and poets! And, of course, a fair number of bagpipes.
Scholars and scientists, the Scots. And absolutely a tartan-clad force to be reckoned with, should you be tempted to imitate the accent.

— Scots

Forward to the future! On elephants! Armed with Gatling guns…
The Siamese are a culture of contrasts; everything from the scents of floating markets to the roar of elephant-mounted Gatlings.

— Siamese

The world is holding its breath to see what this famously military culture wants — and how it gets it.
Not everyone who meets the Zulu considers it a good omen. Prepare yourself for a challenging relationship.

— Zulu

Contemporary Era

Let's see which set of ideals triumphs in this version of the American culture — internationalist, or isolationist?
Opinion may be divided about the Americans, but not in the matter of fighter jets. I'd avoid aerial dogfights if you value your pilots' lives.

— Americans

They hold a rather unique place in both geography and anthropology, the Australians. Though I have been told that the correct pronunciation is actually "Strine".
Always a pleasure to meet the laid-back Australians. Unless you're at war, in which case they can be unexpectedly unpleasant.

— Australians

You may be known for your love of life, but you'll likely be feared for what your troops can do in the jungle.
The Brazilians are rightfully famous for their agricultural chops. But be careful; the same can be said of their jungle warfare.

— Brazilians

Gleaming metropolises and endless factories — I suspect the outsourcing business is going to go through the roof.
The Chinese! A mix of ancient and modern, of tradition and experimentation. Equally fascinating — and worrisome.

— Chinese

A vibrant culture of food, dance, and music—and an international icon of revolution. Easy to see why the Cubans make an impression.
The Cubans' influence stretches from food to politics, music to healthcare. Quite a range, even before you consider their talent for guerrilla warfare.''

— Cubans

The Egyptian past has shown ample examples of genius and innovation. Given that, I can't wait to see their glorious future!
If relations are cordial I'd push for the Egyptians to host you and your entourage. They have a thriving cinema industry — as a world leader, maybe you can get a cameo!

— Egyptians

Great philosophers, great mathematicians, great food. Sadly, the elephants are no longer armed.
Modern day India may be a complex mix of cultures and religions, but that is precisely why it is so culturally rich — and provides such culinary joy…

— Indians

Knowledge and technology form the backbone of the culture. But where would the world be without sushi and [[manga]]?
Whatever you need, the Japanese can probably design it better, make it cheaper, then turn it into an international fad.

— Japanese

A culture steeped in diversity of languages, traditions, and resources. The perfect recipe for growth—and change.
Nigeria may be known worldwide as a breadbasket, but they also bring plenty of firepower to the table.

— Nigerians

Prosperity, density, independence, and extreme complexity—will the sky be the limit for your city-state?
Singapore's skyscrapers show that a modern city-state can reach high - and hold its own on the world stage.

— Singaporeans

Production and expansion! A very good choice to complete the arc of humankind, as long as you like the color red.
Just a small hint — if you wish to confront the Soviets, I don't recommend trying to do it with tanks.

— Soviets

Tolerant, smart, hard-working, great work-life balance. And, on top of all of that, saunas to relax in.
Careful of the Swedes. They're learning enough science to figure out how to make ships disappear…

— Swedes

An ancient culture with a heritage of agriculture and education. I predict they will be full of surprises.
The Turks may be known for agriculture, but don't be surprised at how good their schools — and their missiles — are.

— Turks

Civics quotes

Economy

A bit of flexibility and freedom is more than worth a bit of risk… right?

— Public Happiness

How free can you be if you don't dare to leave the house at night?

— Public Security

Learning is important to know where you're going, but it's good to remember where you came from.

— Elders' Wisdom

There must be an awful lot in that wide world that the elders never even thought of!

— Foreign Innovations

Why should individual wealth and political connections determine the status of something as timeless as the land?

— Communal Land

An interesting choice, which may lead to a concentration of wealth, with interesting — and unexpected — consequences.

— Inherited Land

"To the victor go the spoils" may be rude and blunt, but it certainly has the value of clarity.

— Seize Resources

Trading goods tends to lead to trading good will, good ideas, and good stories.

— Trade Resources

There's no point in doing all that hard work if you're just going to give away its benefits.

— Isolationism

Friends and enemies change places with startling fluidity; you might as well be ready to deal with all of them.

— Globalism

National control of vital products and resources, paradoxically, could provide more freedom and autonomy.

— Nationalized Industries

Let's hope that there is enough innovation and motivation to counteract the long hours.

— Privatized Industries

It's important to keep an eye on the well-being of workers, but even more to be efficient and pragmatic.

— Workers' Rights

It is good to remember, occasionally, that those numbers on spreadsheets are living, breathing humans.

— Profit-focused

Army

This should improve efficiency and camaraderie! But it'll probably cause a lot of complaining.

— Conscripts

It does seem logical that people shouldn't have to do a job unless they want to.

— Professional Soldiers

They may have more to offer than just their weapons; assimilation does seem practical.

— Assimilated Peoples

We'll see if these Independent People end up as shock troops, cannon fodder, or respected allies.

— Mercenary Armies

If an army wants reliable soldiers, they had best provide a reliable income.

— Paid Wages

It's not "plunder". It's an early form of "performance-based incentive payments".

— Plundered Wages

It may be easier to make friends than to rule a larger empire — but do you seek moral or practical superiority?

— Anti-Imperialists

I suppose that once you have put your boots on their territory, you might as well leave it on their necks.

— Imperialists

You have to wonder if the ability to commit mass suicide is really in our long-term interest.

— Nuclear Disarmament

So the plan is that everyone points a gun at each other, and nobody pulls the trigger?

— Nuclear Proliferation

Justice

Just imagine. Once you discover writing, you can literally "throw the book at them".

— Codified Laws

That seems to leave a lot of interpretation of "right" and "wrong", not to mention "yours" and "mine".

— Customary Laws

Beat wrongdoers into obedience, eh? And you wonder why society is violent…

— Physical Punishment

Just don't turn the legal system into a surreptitious way to impoverish your enemies…

— Forfeiture

The fact that you're watching them doesn't mean that they won't try it anyway.

— Open Inspections

Careful. There's a fine line between "state security" and "undermining legitimate opposition".

— State Surveillance (from Judicial Control)

So your plan is to build a society based on distrust, false allegations, and fear?

— Denunciation

The really interesting part, though, is who determines the definition of "key figures"…

— State Surveillance (from Political Control)

Lock them up and throw away the key! Better yet, weld the door shut.

— Lifetime Sentence (from Physical Punishment)

The difficult part here is determining who gets the fruits of that labor, and what it costs.

— Hard Labor

The moral solutions, sadly, are not always the cheap ones.

— Lifetime Sentence (from Forfeiture)

There's nothing wrong with a society based on boundless optimism!

— Rehabilitation

Government

Why was this even a question? Let's keep it simple: we've been here; it's our place.

— Natural Right

It seems simple. If the gods hadn't chosen us, somebody else would be standing here.

— Divine Mandate

Most problems eventually yield to the onslaught of more brains.

— Small Council

It may seem dictatorial, but at least the chain of command is clear.

— Autarch

Whether they're smarter or luckier, they've risen above the rest.

— Aristocracy

How far can you trust a leader whose primary concern is their family, not their people?

— Republic

The fewer hands there are in the coffers, the fewer intrigues there are to delay and distract.

— Monarchy (from Political Influence)

A council of educated leaders is clearly the way to go. Even queens and kings can go mad.

— Aristocracy (from Political Influence)

Having many ideas is just fine, but having one party to enact them just seems more practical.

— One-Party State (Republic Evolution)

Are occasional bouts of chaos a small price to pay for liberty, free speech, and opportunity?

— Democratic Republic (Republic Evolution)

I suppose if you've built the house, you're the one best qualified to maintain and expand it.

— Absolute Monarchy

If the people don't have their say in the palace, they might take their opinions to the streets.

— Constitutional Monarchy

Let's hope it's the cream, and not the buttery fat, that rises to the top.

— Oligarchy (Aristocracy Evolution)

With so many cultures and traditions, it takes a lot of voices to properly represent the will of the people.

— Democratic Republic (Aristocracy Evolution)

Society

I hope you don't start altering law enforcement practices just to get your production quotas filled.

— Criminal Slaves

You may treat them like loot and property, but they are still human beings.

— War Slaves

It seems logical that citizenship starts with where you live — and pay taxes.

— Universal Citizenship

Getting picky about new members of the club? The Old Guard was ever thus.

— Select Citizenship

Do you really want to punish them for the unmeditated crime of being born elsewhere?

— Vassal Colonies

That seems to be a bit more humanitarian, though the folks back home might view it otherwise.

— Naturalized Colonies

The long-term strategy seems to be smarter if it's built on lifting everyone up.

— Child Education

I know, I know. With their small size they can handle the cramped conditions in your factories, right? What a terribly humane society you're developing.

— Child Employment

Culture

That should help simplicity and keep things focused. Depending, of course, on where you go next.

— Monoculturalism

They say alloys are stronger than pure metals. I guess we're going to see how far that metaphor applies to human societies.

— Multiculturalism

Talent must be found and nurtured, is that it? Though flowers can be found among the weeds...

— Academic Artists

I suppose the act of creation is itself a bit anarchic. Why not take that to its logical conclusion?

— Independent Artists

If art is to speak and show the truth, you can't gag and bind it.

— Free Arts

You know how it is. Too much artistic freedom, and pretty soon you have no idea what you're looking at.

— Censored Arts

Every culture has its lessons, its traditions, its values. It would be cruel to see them perish.

— Cultural Respect

One could say that too many flavors and colors will eventually turn everything bland and gray.

— Cultural Eradication

If different opinions can't be heard, people might end up believing whatever ridiculous things the government says.

— Freedom of Speech

If people can spout any sort of garbage, who's to know what the truth is?

— Propaganda

Religion

Gathering, sharing, forming a community… Might I recommend throwing in a few feasts as well?

— Communal Rites

I suppose there are some things that are best done alone.

— Personal Rites

It all sounds well and good until they start worshipping delivery services and bank accounts…

— Open-Minded

I don't think you'll go down in history as "Ivan the Tolerant".

— Religious Hostility

They may be infidels, but they're still taxpayers. I hope you don't miss their tithes!

— Eliminate Unbelievers

But what do you do if they stand just across the frontier and yell untruths at your people?

— Banish Unbelievers

I suppose that's one way of convincing them to change faiths — pay for it regardless.

— Taxed Minorities

So you're thinking that if they prefer perdition, they can get it for free?

— Untaxed Minorities

This looks lovely on paper; let's see how it goes in practice.

— Secularism

This certainly has the advantage of clarity.

— State Atheism

I should warn you that this solution is not as simple as it seems — people can argue about anything.

— Literalism

Indeed, there is a difference between inspiration and investigation.

— Compatibilism

Cultural Wonder quotes

First line is for building the Wonder, second is for discovering it built by another.

Ancient Era

The Hanging Gardens of Babylon! Worth a cooling visit during a hot summer — regardless of what city they are built in.

Their city becomes famously green, while everyone else is green with envy.

— Hanging Gardens of Babylon

The Pyramids of Giza — the original construction yardstick by which all other projects will be measured.

I'm waiting for the jealous types to say things like, "It's just a big pile of rocks.

— Pyramids of Giza

This strange monument called Stonehenge! Most impressive, though the nagging questions remain of "why" and "how"…

Another empire builds Stonehenge! Druids from across the globe can make a pilgrimage.

— Stonehenge

Congratulations on building The Temple of Artemis! It is a site of worship, most definitely — even more so if you also worship marble.

I'm not sure what the proper adjective is, but it appears that you have been out-religioned.

— Temple of Artemis

Classical Era

One can almost feel the sense of mystery emanating from this remarkable site.
Another empire has built this unique place of worship, leaving the rest of us to wonder about the relics it contains.''

— Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion

This Colossus is a mighty image for a mighty empire! And it's discreetly garbed in a toga for those who pass beneath.

A colossus rears its head — both figuratively, and literally; another empire has built the Colossus of Rhodes.

— Colossus of Rhodes

The Lighthouse of Alexandria should do marvels for trade. It will also make for handsome tourist souvenirs.

Another empire has built, and gained the vision, of the great lighthouse of Alexandria. Maybe they'll let you visit?

— Lighthouse of Alexandria

An impressive mausoleum, but I can't help wonder what sort of a sign it is when an empire spends more on the dead than the living…

A great mausoleum has been built — perhaps the next question is: Whose body goes inside?

— Mausoleum at Halicarnassus

We may never know what the Teotihuacanos called it; as one of the world's largest pyramids I call it amazing.
Another empire has built the Teotihuacan Pyramid of the Sun. I understand if you're a tiny bit jealous.''

— Pyramid of the Sun

For such a mighty being, the tales of Zeus are full of questionable morality and poor decisions.

Zeus has been incarnated in a magnificent statue! By somebody else.

— Statue of Zeus

Medieval Era

The site of Angkor Wat is worthy of reverence not merely for the temples, but for the care it took with water and irrigation.

The vast and glorious temple city of Angkor Wat has been built! With luck, you'll get a postcard.

— Angkor Wat

Not only was it the palace for two dynasties and fourteen emperors, the Forbidden City was rumored to contain 9,999 rooms…

Another empire has built the Forbidden City; I suppose there's no need to point out that no, you can't visit.

— Forbidden City

It is hard to believe that something so grand and sumptuous could be built with humble brick and adobe.
An architectural marvel is complete! Proof that there's much to be done with the humble adobe brick.''

— Great Mosque of Djenné

Notre Dame! An impressive achievement, built at a time when scientific inquiry and growing faith marched hand in hand.

Notre Dame has been constructed! "Our Lady" has been built by "your opponent".

— Notre Dame

Tōdai-Ji was the largest wood structure in the world for 1200 years, more or less. That should impress anyone.

Perhaps you should go to this temple, and pray for guidance…

— Tōdai-Ji

Early Modern Era

Machu Picchu could be described as an imperial center for an empire that cares deeply about agriculture — and has no fear of heights.

Marvelous! Worth a visit, undoubtedly, as long as you don't get nosebleeds at altitude.

— Machu Picchu

Hard to believe that what started as a simple hunting lodge turned into such magnificent opulence.
A monument to luxury, power, and the arts. Perhaps you're just not into any of those things?''

— Palace of Versailles

The formal name of the cathedral is as ornate as the place itself: "Cathedral of the Intercession of the Holy Virgin on the Moat".

The original paint job, it seems, was a bit less flamboyant. Personally, I think this one has much more character.

— Saint Basil's Cathedral

It's simpler just to call it "the Duomo", but either way, it is a creation of undisputed decorative and architectural genius.
A singular meeting of form, color, and material make this site a wonder for the ages. Shame it isn't yours.

— Santa Maria del Fiore

The Taj Mahal is indeed a stunning mausoleum! If you want to be together forever, it's hard to choose a nicer place.

Worth a visit, perhaps to contemplate why someone else managed to build it before you.

— Taj Mahal

Topkapi has been built, rebuilt, and renamed any number of times; it is a testament to stamina and survivability.

A palace, a treasury, and a durable monument. Perhaps you could learn something…

— Topkapi Palace

Industrial Era

Big Ben will give you a visible and official correct time; rather important now that all the clocks of an entire empire need to agree on it.

If only they'd put a fraction of the effort into naming the thing… Could've been worse, though. I hear Big Keith was a close second…

— Big Ben

The Eiffel Tower — proof of what you can do with a bit of iron, a bit of math, and thousands of liters of paint.

A work of impressive industrial and architectural know-how! Just… wondering why you didn't do it.

— Eiffel Tower

The Statue of Liberty is a towering symbol of unity and inclusion, and was a most generous gift.

So I guess you decided that building an epic monument to liberty and justice was… not important?

— Statue of Liberty

Contemporary Era

Impressive and dominating, Cristo Redentor removes any confusion about the importance of faith in everyday life.

Personally, I prefer Charlie Musselwhite's version.

— Christ the Redeemer

Behind its striking architecture, the permanent Congress of Humankind Headquarters houses the thrilling business of international cooperation.
Establishing a diplomatic nerve center for the entire world brings the power players to you. Or would have, anyway, if you'd built it.

— Congress of Humankind Headquarters

If you are going to go for economic domination of the world, the Empire State Building will provide the offices to plan and execute it.

You can just say that you think these office spaces impinge too much on individual creativity, if it makes you feel better.

— Empire State Building

The closest thing we have to a cathedral built to the gods of futebol, it has hosted crowds of up to 198,000.
An iconic stadium has been built! Which means you now have absolutely no chance at getting good seats.

— Maracanã Stadium

The curves of this glorious opera house are even more impressive when you consider the fact that the plans were rescued from the trashcan.

I'm trying to come up with a reason for you not to be really, really jealous. Hmmmm. No luck so far.

— Sydney Opera House

Trailer quotes

Some say history is written by those who win the war... Is it really?
Did you know that sometimes two hands can shake the ground harder than a nuclear strike?
Or that a single individual can outwit an entire army?
Did you know scissors blades are sometimes sharper than bayonets?
Since the dawn of time, all around the world, soldiers and conquerors have won thousands of wars, sure...
But what about those who won the peace?
Because they also made History.
PEACE IS ALWAYS AN OPTION.^note unnarrated

— Together We Rule Expansion Announcement Trailer