The problem with thinking about the end of something while existing within that something is the temptation to posit that end as the absolute focal point of reality, which all things are ultimately bending towards. This comes with a certain way of living life.
Things (like empires or contiguous societies) do actually end throughout history, and those endings have consequences for those living within those things. It is worth understanding the trajectory and the nature of those ends, as one must live with them and within them.
But then the contemplation of these things brings about ideas and feelings of ends, of fear and terror and anger that can overwhelm one's life and the lives of others if not managed well. You get apocalyptic cults and despair and that sort of thing.
OK, everything eventually comes to an end. How to live despite this, or even in reverence to it?
