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is connected to a general willingness to believe in millenarianism as an ‘end’ to the historical process.
Humans have often had apocalyptic views of the world. In history, there have been many famous people who have harbored apocalyptic views and expressed them in the form of visions, ideas, and predictions. These include Michel Nostradamus (1503–1566) and Edgar Cayce (1877–1945) in the West, and the Korean Nam Sa-go (1509–1571) in the East. Nam Sa-go successfully predicted many historical events, including Toyotomi Hideyoshi's expedition to Korea in the late 16th century, Japanese colonial rule over Korea for 35 years; the Korean War, the North Korean nuclear crisis, and the increased threat of sexual diseases as well as environmental and pollution-related problems. Both Nostradamus and Nam shared some similar apocalyptic views about the world.
Although many apocalyptic views are religiously based, there have been prominent philosophers and scientists who have also upheld apocalyptic views based on more rational arguments. Plato, Herakleides (390-310 B.C.), and Charles Darwin believed that earlier civilizations collapsed as a result of some great power or catastrophe before our present civilization appeared. Modern scientists also anticipate that this world will be struck by catastrophes and that a great number of people may die as a result. Their arguments are very similar to many religious predictions.
In human affairs, many historical figures have had a core faith that has helped them fulfill their goals. Many people pray to their chosen deity for help in achieving their dreams. This core faith may originate from religion, philosophy, ideology, science, or a more personal view of the world. This degree of belief has often been employed or invoked by many historical figures. President Woodrow Wilson once said that “with God all things are possible.” Captain A. T. Mahan, who wrote The Influence of Sea Power on History, believed that God had raised the United States to the status of world power for a reason. As if to illustrate the complexity of such views, while American Puritans are proud of America as a Crusader State, Islamic fundamentalists say America is the great Satan.3 During World War I, elder statesman