Doomsayers Might Be Right. Perhaps Civilization Will Crash in the United States
When we hear, “Sixth Global Extinction,” we think of a case where everybody dies. But that’s not likely true. People like me have already made changes and we have a good chance. But it seems that most Americans aren’t willing to change, not even to save their own lives.
There are really only three questions:
- What do humans need to live?
- Do you want to make radical changes in your lifestyle to save yourself from extinction?
- Can you adjust your worldview — like admitting to yourself that nobody has given you a right to life?
A large number of Americans are expats now — we’ve moved to other countries hoping to escape the craziness of the current U.S.
I suppose that questions 2 and 3 will give Americans ‘brain lock.’ Let’s look at #1.
You need two things to live. Do you know what they are? Take a minute and think . . .
You need food. The diet depends on where you live — what keeps the locals alive and is available and cheap or free. Proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. In Panama, where I’m living, a staple carbohydrate source is yuca. It’s not a yucca — it’s cassava, and a wonderful food. Meat has always been a part of the human diet. But if you don’t eat meat, there’s still eggs, milk, and a mix of 2 or more grains to get complete amino acids. (Yes, it pays to have studied up on nutrition.) And you need fats and oils, and they need to be the right kind, like chicken skin or extra-virgin olive oil.
Did you figure out the second thing you need to stay alive?
A safe place to sleep. We are tribal and social animals, so we sleep together. We can pitch our camp almost anywhere and be safe enough. Maybe someone stays up, in shifts. Or the crazy guy doesn’t sleep anyway, so he watches out. Maybe you have dogs or other animals who will raise the alarm if strangers come. If you’re caught out all alone, you can either not sleep or curl up in a cleft between two huge rocks.
If you’re wondering about drinking water, don’t. It isn’t on the list because water is everywhere, plus you don’t need as much as you think. Actually food is like that too. If you have to go a week without eating, because there is no food right now, it will do no harm.
Shelter and warmth.
Those are nice, especially for previously civilized people. They are not necessities. Even cold nights are survivable, if you don’t wear heavy clothing all the time. It’s counter-intuitive, but true. If you’re freezing your ass off, best lie down and sleep.
