Americans are the Next Vikings as They Self-Destruct.

Look to the Vikings as a clear example of how a civilization can self-destruct from within. When Christianity was introduced to Viking society, the resulting clash between converts and pagans created deep divisions. Instead of focusing on their shared Viking identity, both sides stubbornly clung to unattainable ideals. This internal conflict ultimately led to violence and infighting, preventing the Vikings from establishing a permanent foothold in England and throughout Europe, despite their potential. A society cannot survive while fighting wars on both internal and external fronts; one will inevitably lead to its downfall.

Fast forward 1,000 years, and we see America facing the same pre-collapse issues today. Political parties have morphed into zealots, each treating their beliefs as dogma, stubbornly adhering to ideals that are utterly unrealistic. Liberals, for instance, have made their politics their entire identity, particularly evident in the abortion debate. The truth is, we will never eliminate abortions in America. Yet, idealists refuse to accept this reality, digging in their heels and fueling violence instead of seeking common ground. On the other hand, America will always have a Christian undertone that values life highly, which makes the idea of completely unrestricted abortion unrealistic.

Neither side shows any willingness to compromise, holding onto their pro-life and pro-choice beliefs as if they were sacred scriptures. The situation is clear: America is on the precipice of collapse if this behavior continues. Progressives have left conservatives no choice but to defend themselves as they attempt to dismantle crucial institutions in the name of lofty ideals like fairness, equality, and social justice. These ideals can destroy nations; only solutions and compromise can strengthen them.

Social upheaval should serve as a wake-up call. Both parties are pursuing dreams that are fundamentally unattainable. Liberals push for open borders, chanting "no human is illegal," and will stop at nothing to abolish ICE. The possibility of achieving this is exceedingly low—if it were so easy, why have other nations not adopted open borders? When liberalism becomes dogmatic, it morphs into a code of conduct that lacks rationality.

Likewise, radical conservatives must disentangle their Christianity from their politics. By fusing their religious convictions with their political agendas, they create unrealistic expectations that confuse personal faith with national policy. The focus shifts from advocating for practical solutions to opposing any idea that doesn’t perfectly align with their rigid beliefs. Look at how swiftly some staunch right-wing conservatives have abandoned President Trump simply because he hasn’t released specific files or sought negotiations with Iran. This approach is foolish and un-American.

Just like in Viking times, most Americans still believe in commonsense values. Initially, Vikings engaged in conflict but managed to function as a society. The majority focused on shared interests while the extreme factions clashed relentlessly until they forced everyone to take sides. Once the division between pagans and Christians was complete, their civilization's days were numbered.

The pressing question is: will Americans choose to compromise at this crucial moment, or will they continue down this destructive path? Will liberals release their emotional ties to unattainable ideals and engage in productive dialogue, or will they persist in obstructing progress? Any nation that allows its ideals to hinder advancement is on a fast track to failure. Compromise is the foundation of democracy, critical for serving the common good.

When radical evangelical Christians inject their beliefs into politics, they set themselves up for disappointment because policies are meant to serve everyone, irrespective of religion. Achieving this requires compromise—something we have abandoned mainly while clinging to our political beliefs as if they were sacrosanct.

While our ideals undoubtedly have value, we must view them as guides rather than achievable goals. They belong alongside our dreams, prayers, and values. In business, we refer to this type of aspiration as a "moonshot goal." Though typically unattainable, moonshot goals inspire us to push boundaries. In business, we recognize that not reaching a moonshot goal doesn’t spell disaster; success is measured by progress toward that ambitious objective. As conservatives, we must acknowledge that many issues can be negotiated without sacrificing our core values and ethics.

Please understand me—conservatism is essential, and I believe that liberals have pushed us to the breaking point. However, by focusing solely on ideals, Americans are suffering. Inaction is not a valid response to differing opinions. If we choose to remain passive, we become complicit in the same obstruction that Democrats have employed for years. I long for the days when politics truly reflected individual beliefs. We need to return to a time when the exchange of ideas and the ongoing give-and-take of democracy generate solutions that benefit everyone, rather than just a select few. Mark my words: if we don't get back to that, and if polarization continues, turning political parties into almost religious entities, there will be no America.