History is not over, and there is no reason that this civilization will not undergo a fundamental change just like every other has in the past. The question is when, and how much.

As early as the 70s, I realized the change was due to come. Too many things were happening at once, depletion of resources, over-population, crowding, a breakdown in cultural institutions like the family and community, the growing destructiveness of war. Not only in the US, but in the world. One major problem was sidestepped, nuclear conflict with the Soviets, but I totally failed to anticipate terrorism and the rise of radical Islam. I thought the revolt of the third world would come from Africa, East Asia, or South America. I never would have guessed the Middle East.

By the mid-eighties, I also began to notice a new set of problems. We were getting greedy and lazy, we all wanted something for nothing. The poor weren't willing to work, the middle class wanted too much luxury and security, and the rich became insatiable in their obscene accumulation of wealth. I wish I could blame one group or philosophy for it, but I can't. Everyone is guilty, and everyone will pay.

I still don't think it will be the end of the world. Rome didn't collapse overnight, either, in fact, it didn't collapse at all. It just gradually morphed into something else, not in the same place or at the same time, and eventually things changed for the better again. Probably the same will happen again.

Just remember, it's not your fault. Shit just happens.