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IEET > Security > Biosecurity > Cyber > Eco-gov > Military > Resilience > SciTech > SpaceThreats > Vision > Galactic > Technoprogressivism > Fellows > David Brin

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The End of the World

David Brin

Posted: Sep 24, 2010

Every generation had legends of a coming downfall. Whether you call it The End Times, Armageddon, Apocalypse, Doomsday, Ragnorak, or The Population Bomb, we’ve long been fascinated by prophecies of devastation and doom. IEET Fellow David Brin, a scientist and best-selling novelist, explores the concepts and facts behind end-of-the-world tales and discusses how modern civilization can start limiting the risk.

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Eduard Erdtsieck • Buena Park, CA • Sep 25, 2010

The concept of the end of the world and apocalypse are outcomes of the past. I am not sure it will hold true for the future. In the past power and influence crystalizes around a man or ideas. As time erodes and new generations appear and new concepts take on old ways and a struggle for primacy ensues. I'd call it an up-down or vertical operation and bloodshed or oppression are common.

Modern mass communication technology has entered into the equation and brought more people into that struggle. It has broadened the battle field, because the struggle for superiority has become horizonal for those who are by virtue of their position or expertise at the top. The mystery of their behavior is revealed to them, who are usually unaware and do ordinarily not enter into the dialogue.

While for the latter groups and there are more of them today; it remains an up-down fight. Has this shift made ideas less influential, while number of participants becomes significant factor.

Would this not diminish the need for an apocalypse?

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