The End of the World

[bochen2]

The Modern Civilized World As We Know It Is Definitely and Inevitably Coming to An End All Too Much Sooner Than You Think. That last sentence was an understatement. This* is an mathematical certainty..

 

Having being well informed of the issues of peak oil, peak water, global warming & global dimming, unsustainable Infinite Growth Machine fiat currency, fractional reserve banking, decline of petrodollar hegemony, debt-based economies, rapid unrecoverable depleting of environment and resources, etc and having read up somewhat on the Olduvia Gorge Theory and other Post Industrial Stone Age theories, I propose that we as a species will soon (2008-2015) return back to the Stone Age and become extinction within the next few hundred years.

 

My purpose for this is not to debate whether or not peak oil will happen, or even whether a global depression of never before seen scale and intensity will strike as we go down forever the energy decline slope. That is a mathematical certainty, and its going to happen whether we like it or not.

 

In Darwin’s Struggle For Existence he has often said:

 

“A struggle for existence inevitably follows from the high rate at which all organic beings tend to increase. Every being, which during its natural lifetime produces several eggs or seeds, must suffer destruction during some period of its life, and during some season or occasional year, otherwise, on the principle of geometrical increase, its numbers would quickly become so inordinately great that no country could support the product. Hence, as more individuals are produced than can possibly survive, there must in every case be a struggle for existence, either one individual with another of the same species, or with the individuals of distinct species, or with the physical conditions of life. It is the doctrine of Malthus applied with manifold force to the whole animal and vegetable kingdoms; for in this case there can be no artificial increase of food, and no prudential restraint from marriage. Although some species may be now increasing, more or less rapidly, in numbers, all cannot do so, for the world would not hold them.”

 

Also he goes on to say:

 

“There is no exception to the rule that every organic being naturally increases at so high a rate, that if not destroyed, the earth would soon be covered by the progeny of a single pair. Even slow-breeding man has doubled in twenty-five years, and at this rate, in a few thousand years, there would literally not be standing room for his progeny. Linnaeus has calculated that if an annual plant produced only two seeds and there is no plant so unproductive as this and their seedlings next year produced two, and so on, then in twenty years there would be a million plants. The elephant is reckoned to be the slowest breeder of all known animals, and I have taken some pains to estimate its probable minimum rate of natural increase: it will be under the mark to assume that it breeds when thirty years old, and goes on breeding till ninety years old, bringing forth three pairs of young in this interval; if this be so, at the end of the fifth century there would be alive fifteen million elephants, descended from the first pair.”

 

So what is nature’s motivation for designing life that it produces at a rate so high that if not destroyed (some/most unlucky must die) the earth would soon be covered entirely by progeny of a single pair? Why is the purpose of this seemingly uncontemplateable cruelty that the vast major must die and only a select lucky few from each generation will ever get the chance to survive and pass on its genes for the next generation? Easy, the answer is 'PROGRESS'. This is the way of 'life' and is dictated by the laws of physics that are in this universe we live in. Study Evolutionary Darwinism and understand its intracies and you shall see life in a whole new way, reality is stranger than fiction. That’s for me to say and you to find out.

 

Do you realize that since the dawn of life on earth over 4 billion years ago, the vast majority of all species that have ever walked on this earth are now long gone and extinct fossils? All the diversity and variety of life on earth that you see today actually originated form a single ‘branch’ lifeline from the many many others.

 

Seen in this new light, we homo sapiens are certainly nothing special or unique, and if history is any indicator, our species will become extinct and all but forgotten once it has served its purpose.

 

So in an evolutionary sense, the dieoff.com website was correct when it said:

 

“It has often been said that, if the human species fails to make a go of it here on Earth, some other species will take over the running. In the sense of developing high intelligence this is not correct. We have, or soon will have, exhausted the necessary physical prerequisites so far as this planet is concerned. With coal gone, oil gone, high-grade metallic ores gone, no species however competent can make the long climb from primitive conditions to high-level technology. This is a one-shot affair. If we fail, this planetary system fails so far as intelligence is concerned. The same will be true of other planetary systems. On each of them there will be one chance, and one chance only.”

 

So I can say with confidence that as far as the attribute of abstract intelligence is concerned, evolutionary speaking, we are a failure. And because as the human species declines it will necessarily leave with it an earth exhausted of the physical prerequisites for another transition from primitive conditions to high-level technology, we have denied any other future species the chance for intelligence. Super intelligence will never evolve on this planet, perhaps intelligence is not the best attribute to have in the long run, at least not from a biological/evolutionary stand point.

 

The industrial revolution was the result of a complex set of causes, none of which, by itself, could have given rise to the phenomenon: the crucial technological innovations would have meant little without notable population growth, an increase in agricultural efficiency that released much of the workforce from field labor, and key economic changes, such as greater mobility of capital.

 

As Mike Ruppert has said:

 

“As the human race enters the first stages of inevitable collapse resulting from Peak Oil, it does so ***-backwards, in complete denial, and in the one way most certain to guarantee the greatest amount of suffering and death for future generations.”

 

Our current lifestyle and population is and can only be maintained because of the necessary efficiencies that come with mass production, industrial revolution, structured society due to high level of population, social contract, and high technology. Our modern way of life is entirely dependent upon The Way Money Works. Unfortunately for us our modern banking system is also entirely dependent upon a continuous and neverending supply of CHEAP and ABUNDANT OIL. Each generation borrows its wealth and means on the sole confidence that the next generation will continue to GROW and EXPAND to be able to pay it back, we are in essence always counting on future infinite exponential growth potential and taking that expectation of growth as collateral for today’s payments.

 

When we can no longer continue to grow then the pyramid scheme will topple down and deck of cards will be seen as the façade that it always was. It is important that you understand that no amount of conservation will help. Alterative energy is a joke. Zero Point Energy and Fusion are pipe dreams. We simply cannot continue to grow. And When we don’t grow we DIE. This is not a rosy economic theory, this is real life, and in reality there is no static middle ground. It could be said that the greatest shortcoming of the human race is it fail to understand and appreciate the exponential function.

 

Here is why -> As we slide down the slope of Olduvai Gorge, the exact reverse appears to happen. As population decreases, and we know that it necessarily MUST, much of the workforce will once again be forced back to field labor, there will be less mobility of capital, less mobility of transportation, less ability to communication, education, organization, cooperation, and of technological innovations, thus leading to a double problem of much lower efficiency.

 

This viscous downward cycle and chain reaction will eventually lead to the supernova of mankind. As much of our industrial efficiencies are lost, and as we lose the ability to grow food from oil, to plant, harvest, package, transport, food and other basic fundamental necessities of life are all lost due to our dependency on petroleum and its derivates, as we also lose the benefits of an orderly and structured society and social contract and cooperation (which is maintainable only by high population)our earth will have an even lower ability to sustain our overpopulated species, And our total global carrying capacity will be that much lower. As our population corrects to a lower number once again we will experience the phenomenon of reverse efficiency. As our efficiency dips to lower and lower abysmal levels each time this happens, our population will become less and less.

 

Eventually we will revert back to the Stone Age. With stone age technology, Stone Age language, and a stone age view and ideology of the world and the universe. But worse, because this time around we will have exhausted nature’s abundant supply of fish, trees, top soil, fresh water, clean air, all that was so readily available to us during the last ice age. And of course, this means we will have the carrying capacity that natural always had intended us to have, the level will be equivalent or perhaps lower than that of the first original Stone Age.

 

The Modern World as We Know It up till this point in time has been a massive Ponzi Pyramid Scheme Propped up by the CHEAP and ABUNDANT OIL supply. As the resource becomes less abundant this great Pyramid Scheme will suffer the fate of all pyramid schemes. The destabilization of society will not be pretty. Least not for a society that has our level of over population and one that has been structured to be accustomed to an never ending and forever growing supply of petroleum and its derivatives. One things if for certain, the fragility of mankind will be soon displayed in all its glory.

 

 

So the next time a comet or asteroid comes around, and it will, we can say good bye Flintstones.

[Moontanman]

I've been hearing and reading this BS since i was a teenager, yes oil is running out, already too expensive to really run the economy on, lots of problems then and now, what we need is modern nuclear power and to stop burning fossil fuels. Nuclear power will save us all, if we ignore the possibilities and dwell on the problems the path will eventually lead us back to the stone age but no reason for it to happen in the next few years but the longer we wait the harder it will be to stop the decline.

[Essay]

So the next time a comet or asteroid comes around....

Enjoying the day? ...be back later.... :naughty:

I'll fininsh the OP later; but despite the many ominous trajectories for our future, there are a few optimistic possibilities.

 

with permission:

Type I civilization: can we make it? - Science a GoGo's Discussion Forums

If we are to continue to survive and evolve as a species, we must strive to control the planetary forces critical for our survival.

According to Michio Kaku, we are only 1 or 2 hundred years away from becoming a Type-1 civilization.

This will not happen unless we start now; otherwise we will go the way of all species that lose their niche.

Michio Kaku: Theoretical Physicist, Bestselling Author, Popularizer of Science

Welcome to Explorations in Science with Dr. Michio Kaku

 

Quote:

Physics of Type I, II, and III Civilizations

Specifically, we can rank civilizations by their energy consumption, using the following principles:

 

1) The laws of thermodynamics....

2) The laws of stable matter....

3) The laws of planetary evolution....

UFO.Whipnet.org | Scientist Michio Kaku Believes in Extraterrestrials

 

Kaku defines:

A Type 1 civilization as one that is truly a planetary society, who has mastered all forms of terrestrial energy. Their energy output is much greater than ours. It would take at least 3,200 years to reach Type 2.

 

A Type 2 civilization is a civilization who have an energy output of a small star. They would be so advanced that they could build a sphere around their planet to maximize their energy output.

 

A Type 3 civilization is so advanced that they have begun colonizing other star systems. Their energy output is massive compared to ours. A civilization this advanced would be able to bend space and time at will. They would probably be capable of interdimensional travel and even time travel.

 

So where are we here on planet Earth? Well, we are Type 0. We still get our energy from dead plants. Pretty pathetic, if you ask me. I could only imagine what an advanced alien civilizations thinks of us. With our racism, wars, and class struggles we will be luck if we ever get to a Type 1. At the current rate, in my opinion the human race is headed toward extinction.

 

 

Originally Posted By: *E. O. Wilson

 

tribe.net is undergoing maintenance and will be back soon. thanks for your patience.

*Scientists estimate that, if habitat-conversion and other destructive human activities continue at their present rates, half the species of plants and animals on earth could be either gone or at least fated for early extinction by the end of the century. The ongoing extinction rate is calculated in the most conservative estimates to be about 100 times above that prevailing before humans appeared on earth, and it is expected to rise to at least 1,000 times greater (or more) in the next few decades. If this rise continues unabated, the cost to humanity--in wealth, environmental security, and quality of life--will be catastrophic.

 

 

...and to repeat....

 

So where are we here on planet Earth? Well, we are Type 0. We still get our energy from dead plants. Pretty pathetic, if you ask me. I could only imagine what an advanced alien civilizations thinks of us. With our racism, wars, and class struggles we will be luck if we ever get to a Type 1. At the current rate, in my opinion the human race is headed toward extinction. -M. Kaku

===

 

What we need these days is a new

"Declaration of Interdependence"

 

~ ;)

[bochen2]

Essay:

 

Thanks for your reply. Have you heard of Olduvai Gorge and the Post Industrial Stone Age theory?

 

Dr. Richard Duncan: The Peak of World Oil Production and the Road to the Olduvai Gorge (PDF Format)

 

 

 

 

Also of interest is this:

 

http://www.guba.com/f/root.swf?video_url=http://free.guba.com/uploaditem/3000053112/flash.flv

 

Dr. Albert Bartlett: Arithmetic, Population and Energy

 

 

 

http://www.guba.com/f/root.swf?video_url=http://free.guba.com/uploaditem/3000053112/flash.flv&isEmbeddedPlayer=true

[Zythryn]

I agree that limited to this planet, it is a mathematical fact that mankind will run out of some resources.

I disagree that this means it is a fact that civilization will disappear and find it ridiculous that one would imply it is a mathematical fact that it will happen in the next 6-7 years.

 

Sure, what you propose is possible.

However, I suspect someone was proposing the same thing because we were running out of peat to burn.

New technologies and new resources are found and used. Yes, there may be pain in the transitions. But more planning means less pain. I plan to help plan, rather than reinforce a destructive self fulfilling prophesy.

[Essay]

"...the Post Industrial Stone Age theory?"

 

My dad always said that he didn't know about WWIII, but that he was sure WWIV would be fought with sticks and stones. :)

 

p.s.

And realize that you are the eyes of your ancestors hopes, dreams, and struggles; still waiting to see how this will all work out.

What a privilege to be here on Earth, at this exciting time.

 

...at the dawn of the transition to a Type I civilization.

[Moontanman]

John Titor, the time traveler, said several years ago that the tensions between the Conservatives and the Liberals, the haves and the have nots, would end up in a US civil war that would eventually engulf the entire world in a nuclear exchange. He came from several years after the nuclear exchange when the world was slowly recovering from the culture wars. He said this before 2000.

[bochen2]

John Titor, the time traveler, said several years ago that the tensions between the Conservatives and the Liberals, the haves and the have nots, would end up in a US civil war that would eventually engulf the entire world in a nuclear exchange. He came from several years after the nuclear exchange when the world was slowly recovering from the culture wars. He said this before 2000.

 

 

And he said 2008 would be the year everyone (the masses) woke up and realized something indeed was very wrong... So if this (the Crash of 2008) is the beginning of the end (or at least the onset to the second greater permanent depression until we recover and get smacked right back down with and by PEAK OIL / EROEI and eventually converge to Olduvai Gorge instead of Omega Point..)

 

Plus the WebBot predicted 10/7/2008 to be a ominous date... I think this week along marked the greatest one week decline in the US stock markets EVER in the history of mankind (more steep than any week during the Great Depression..) so I would say 'it' was right in its assessment of things as well..

 

But I don't believe in time travel.

[Essay]

John Titor, the time traveler, said several years ago that the tensions between the Conservatives and the Liberals, the haves and the have nots, would end up in a US civil war that would eventually engulf the entire world in a nuclear exchange. He came from several years after the nuclear exchange when the world was slowly recovering from the culture wars. He said this before 2000.

Well then, we should start listening to those who are from further in the future; and who are telling us that there are other options or trajectories for the present/future.

 

But seriously, listening to some of the conservative blog blather out there, it is sounding as if they are ready, "locked and loaded," for "their final battle." [citations available upon request].

~ :)

[Moontanman]

Well then, we should start listening to those who are from further in the future; and who are telling us that there are other options or trajectories for the present/future.

 

But seriously, listening to some of the conservative blog blather out there, it is sounding as if they are ready, "locked and loaded," for "their final battle." [citations available upon request].

~ :)

 

It is scary, one of the biggest weaknesses of the Liberal movement is their tolerance of other points of view, the Conservatives are more than willing to stamp all opposing views with violence if necessary.

[TheBigDog]

It is scary, one of the biggest weaknesses of the Liberal movement is their tolerance of other points of view, the Conservatives are more than willing to stamp all opposing views with violence if necessary.

You make me feel the love, Moon. I feel enlightened to now know that Liberals have a monopoly on tolerance and conservatives have a monopoly on violence.

 

Perhaps that is overstated. I should apologize for misquoting you. Liberals who engage in violence always do so unwillingly, while conservatives are just waiting for an excuse.

 

Did I misunderstand you still? Riots at the Democratic conventions by... conservatives? Riots in LA during the 90's by... conservatives? Riots at the G7 summit in Seattle by... conservatives?

 

I am not going to argue that conservatives have not engaged in violence, but to suggest that Liberals are more tolerant of opposing views and less violent than conservatives is simply wrong. To say that Liberals are more tolerant than conservatives is also simply wrong. It is extremists on both ends of the spectrum that are most intolerant and most willing to resort to violence. But in both cases they do not represent the median person of the same persuasion.

 

Bill

[TheBigDog]

John Titor, the time traveler, said several years ago that the tensions between the Conservatives and the Liberals, the haves and the have nots, would end up in a US civil war that would eventually engulf the entire world in a nuclear exchange. He came from several years after the nuclear exchange when the world was slowly recovering from the culture wars. He said this before 2000.

My bad Moon. I had not considered this quote in understanding the context of your later post. John Titor told me that electing Obama in 2008 would lead the the chain of events that ended the world, and that we needed to be sure to elect the more effective liberal politician to prevent catastrophe. There is none who will be more effective at advancing liberal agenda than John McCain and his relentless pursuit of compromise legislation. The areas where he is uncompromising are those least likely to change anyway.

 

It is tough being a conservative this year.

 

Bill

[Moontanman]

My bad Moon. I had not considered this quote in understanding the context of your later post. John Titor told me that electing Obama in 2008 would lead the the chain of events that ended the world, and that we needed to be sure to elect the more effective liberal politician to prevent catastrophe. There is none who will be more effective at advancing liberal agenda than John McCain and his relentless pursuit of compromise legislation. The areas where he is uncompromising are those least likely to change anyway.

 

It is tough being a conservative this year.

 

Bill

 

It's been tough believing in anything lately, I keep getting my feelings hurt every time I start liking someone, I feel like a 16 year old girl trying to date over her head.

[Moontanman]

John Titor's predictions have been relatively accurate so far, the kicker should come in the next couple of years for sure. I think he said the nuclear exchange that wipes out all of our major cities comes in the next couple of years or so.

[Essay]

It is extremists on both ends of the spectrum that are most intolerant and most willing to resort to violence. But in both cases they do not represent the median person of the same persuasion.

Yep, very good point.

===

I've never heard of this John Titor, but I guess he's pretty widely known. You say...

"John Titor told me that electing Obama in 2008 would lead the the chain of events that ended the world...."

It's as if it is specifically this understanding and sentiment that is motivating a lot of that conservative reaction.

 

Now I know that a lot of conservatives see a slide into socialism to be just as good as the end of the world; so maybe it's just that threat, which is prompting this alarmism.

===

 

I recall the liberal lament, that if W. won in 2000 ...& 2004, they'd have to move to Canada.

That's about as extreme as the tone got back in those days, I think (but I wasn't online back then, so...).

 

~ :)

[Buffy]

Map that curve onto the Roman Civilization, and then ask yourself: is there really any evidence at all to support the notion that the downward curve is permanent?

 

Ancient Rome declined because it had a Senate; now what's going to happen to us with both a Senate and a House? ;)

Buffy