User blog comment:Lune Crackham/Is the Emperor of Mankind really a hero?/@comment-31785873-20170421201910

This paradox is presented nicely in Dune, as Maud'Dib has been known to sterilize (exterminatus) entire worlds and effectively conquered the Galaxy. Ever time he is asked about how he can do this to man-kind. He explains that his prescience has shown him the "Golden Path" in which humanity may survive. And without strife, man-kind would grow stagnant and complacent. They would be unable to meet any external threat if the empire became too comfortable.

Also, the main difference between the Great Crusade, and the crusades of old is the motive. The old Crusades would be viewed as arbitrary and petty by the Emperor, as they were fighthing over religions that are both wrong, and the end game was to subjugate a populace. The Emperor is uniting man-kind to be able to face the coming dangers that he knew about at the time. I think the Emperor is effectively choosing the lesser of two evils. Not conquering the galaxy would mean less suffering in the short term, but extinction in the long. Conquering meant strife and war, but long term survival. Extinction is not an option, and if this is the only method that Humanity can survive the Tyranids, Orks, Chaos and myriad other enemies. In my opinion he is taking the most noble course of action, as he has sacrificed everything, including, potentially, his own godlike image.

Remember, most of what we know of the Emperor, Primarch, Astartes etc... is completely unknown to the populace at large. Infact, and guardsman regiment sent to fight Chaos and even Xenos are often exterminated whole sale to prevent spreading the knowledge of the existance of Chaos. Humanity will learn to hate him soon enough. Why do you think so many humans turn to Chaos as it is? Ol' Empy has mearly gotten the ball rolling, knowing he won't be there for the bottom of the hill. The Emperor is likely a polarizing figure to your average citizen as it is.