Haven't had a chance to read more than the first two paragraphs (actually busy today), but it's a situation I've give a great deal of thought to. It's not a function of the generation or the type of people within, but of human nature. In our case, the exponential growth rate of our technology has led to an equally rapid deterioration of out society. We've managed to make things very easy for ourselves, very quickly, and that's a root cause of collapse. Nobody has to worry about Charlie launching V2's over us. We don't have to slaughter pigs to trade for vegetables and bread. We've certainly created new stresses, but the ease with which we get by has made us lazy and complacent. Factor that in with the loss of morality and the growth of vice (and to be clear, I think this is a damn fine thing and a worthy trade off), then the outcome is inevitable.
The issue is that human nature is to desire what we've created for ourselves, but also to deteriorate and slack once we obtain it. The people who are having to bust their asses are going to sail right past us. And then, they'll also get to where we are. It's a pretty common occurrence, in the grand scheme of human development. All civilizations will run their course and either implode or stagnate. Some last longer than others, but the outcome is the same.
To paraphrase a great man, just sit back and enjoy the show. We've got front row seats, and the concessions area is among the best in the world.
Topic: Interesting article I found (Read 506 times)