[Edward Alexander]

Well religions are well-established because they've been around for so long and had the time to grow and expand and keep in their state of power and control over their masses.

But, you do mention some cults, however what about Scientology? That is a rather new Religion, also pretty big, and it glorifies wealth I'd say too =)

That's a good example on what one man can achieve if he wants - funny thing is Ron Hubbard was a science fiction writer but also associated with "real" magicians and religious people such as Aleister Crowley, and NASA scientist & fellow Occultist Jack Parson, founder of Jet Propulsions Lab (JPL) among others.

Though that's a huge topic on its own though.

In either case, I agree with your about an interactio between people and Larger Principles as you word it.

Blessings.
-EA