Positive aspects of humanity's looming "death spiral"...

[IrateCitizen]

Yesterday, Beetwasher posted a thread lamenting humanity's "death spiral" -- what with the spectres of endless wars, ecological collapse, global climate crisis, peak oil, and all. As a contrast, I'd like to take a moment to focus on some of the positives of this (and yes, I'm being completely serious here).

Many of us here on DU are on the front edge of this, simply because we recognize the convergence of all of the warning signs approaching at breakneck speed. Therefore, we might be in a better position to deal with it when it does happen.

First off, as someone who hasn't started a family yet (outside of getting married and having a dog), I fully sympathize with the dread that many feel toward the thought of bringing children into a world such as this. To that I say, times were tough in the Dark Ages, but people still brought children into the world. Times have been tough in places like Rwanda recently, but you still have people bringing children into the world. If anything, it is MORE important that those of us who understand the need for a true shift in "values" raise children to be reflective of that. Life is not meant to be easy, and we shouldn't let looming difficulties prevent us from experiencing some of the greatest joy that people can experience -- the raising of children.

Second, while the potential for life becoming shorter and more brutish is definitely there, so is the possibility of life becoming more fulfilling. Imagine a world in which there is no longer electronic mass media, and where we actually have to base our recreation on activities that involve interacting with others. Imagine a world in which the acquisition of wealth suddenly becomes a lot less important than cooperation and a spirit of community. While I can't say I look forward to the more difficult aspects of life in such a scenario, I DO look forward to the possibility of getting back to a more fulfilling existence.

Finally, expanding on my second point, I have to say that there will still be the little things that bring us joy in life. We'll still have beautiful sunsets. We'll still have songbirds singing on a cool spring morning. We'll still have dogs to welcome into our homes that give us a neverending source of affection and entertainment. We'll still have mountain vistas and rolling rivers. And perhaps, we might just be able to NOTICE all of these things a little more, without all of the distractions.

Remember, we really have little control over the future as individuals. The best we can do is to do the best with the time we're given. Lamenting over its hardships will accomplish nothing. Preparing for it, and looking for the instances to enjoy what life has to offer and living in those moments -- that's what the journey really is all about.