Posted on 07/02/2012 3:12:30 PM PDT by DogByte6RER
Would you want to survive the end of civilization?
Let's say the end of the world as we know it is coming — but someone offers you a priceless spot in their guaranteed-to-be-safe bunker, so you can be one of the chosen few who rebuilds the Earth. Would you want to survive, and emerge into the post-apocalyptic wasteland? Would the positives of playing a role in a new society outweigh the loss of creature comforts? Or would you rather just go out with the majority of the human race? I wouldn't last long in a Mad Max-style world — the most complex thing I can do to my car is replace its refrigerant. I'd probably die in the first couple of months — or once my glasses broke, whichever came first.
But what if the new world resembled ours, just a little more rugged and difficult? Would you enjoy the opportunity to rebuild society? Here are a few of the positives and negatives associated with a civilization changing event to help you decide.
The Negatives
Your new world lacks the creature comforts of today - no electricity, no communication, no instant access to a plethora of information. Hell, the information that lies in your head likely carries little value.
If you have read any of the 99 issues of Robert Kirkman's The Walking Dead, you know that surviving in a new world with few skills amidst packs of zombies and dangerous people is no way to live. Thankfully, the end of the world as we know it probably wouldn't include flesh-eating zombies. The end of civilization, however, would bring with it a lack of communication, resources, and lead to immense amounts of unbearable drama, due to fear, hunger, and power grabs.
Do you want to live in a situation where every day includes a dangerous search for food, your nights involve defensive formations to protect those in your community, and you never know what the next moment will bring?
This type of vicious world definitely has its extremes. The bad times would cease over time as groups of people join together to reform civilization, but he birth pains of this new civilization will be severe. Would you want a part in the new world?
The Positives
What if the end of civilization leaves you in a reasonably safe place, amongst family and friends? The television show Jericho explored such a scenario. An independent community relied on itself to survive, with scant information about the outside world. In this case, it might be fun to start things over — maintain a background set of laws to maintain order, but re-create society in your image. This view might be a tad bit on the optimistic side, but it's a possibility.
Your new life will lack a number of the meaningless stresses of today — no e-mail to check, no presentations to give, no centuries old baggage stemming from geopolitical conflicts. The slate is wiped clean — why not take advantage of the positives inherent in a second chance?
Your Decision
Would you want to survive a devastating event that turns society on its head? The role you play in the rebuilding process might be a large one — how do you weigh the pros and cons?
That is an incredibly insightful statement. I’m going to use that sometime.
Thanks.
A bookish man.
“there was time.....”
Hey, that lady has definitely solved the end-of-times food struggle.
Can you imagine a world without FR? Or maybe John can come up with something a'la the Professor
The post-apocalyptic FR server farm:
The power source (n00bs pressed into service):
The reason why n00bs provide the power:
Someone gets ZOTted:
Reporting to the AM:
OTOH, nothing changes for Laz:
Including his old lady:
I don’t know how much “fun” it would be but the Jericho scenario would be tolerable. What I imagine is in store for us will look more like “The Road”.
No thanks.
Human civilization, historically doesn't end. It changes hands and the center of power moves. Rome to Byzantium to Europe to the US to China.
Get used to it.
/johnny
Ping to a comparison between you and The Professor... :)
/johnny
With my luck the only survivors would be myself and Rachel Maddow, Roseanne or Michelle Obama.
Better to go the easy way.
lol, good for you I love that place. disney has a copy at calif adventure
We've murdered or played a part in the murder of approximately 1 billion unborn, partially born or post born infants worldwide since Roe vs Wade. God only knows how many people worldwide were killed in wars or simply murdered at the hands of another during the past century alone. We have same sex marriage, euthanasia of the elderly, and even bestiality allowed in our military. Most of our political and corporate leaders are greedy liars, outrageously corrupt and are suicidally destroying what little is left of our current society.
IMO, if you're reading this, you've already survived "the end of civilization".
But no doubt the tribulation will get far worse - then the second coming heralds the beginning of new age, vastly superior to the old. The Bible promises that untold multitudes will make the translation. I hope to see that day!
Only long enough to cross a few names off my list.
Yes - food won.
The good news: I would be a good candidate for high-risk/suicide missions, if the need arose.
I was very disappointed at what my 25 cents bought me on the Saturday afternoon I went to see that film. Ray Milan is really not much of an action hero.
Make sure to stock up on eyeglasses.
Don’t the Christians say the world will be destroyed by fire? If so, what kind?
“Would I want to survive the end of civilization??”
Noah did, along with his family - eight total, plus the animals. We are all here because he and those with him survived.
Now, I suggest we survive on our terms...not ending civilization, but doing so as our Founding Fathers did it...to whatever extent necessary to do so.
May God be with us, as He was with Noah, and as He was with our Founders.
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