10 Comments
User's avatar
Dorian Gray's avatar

If you are active on those reddit posts, please remind your communities, that it had been predicted that we could not feed the growing world population in the 1970s https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/why-didnt-first-earth-days-predictions-come-true-its-complicated-180958820/

We also successfully transitioned away from CFCs I think in the '90 avoiding another disaster.

The only way to drive mass change of attitudes is an existential threat and a punch in the gut (some evidence). The evidence is showing up now, the technology is improved, and the threat is starting to be taken seriously.

It's going to be a rocky ride but it is impossible to predict the future.

And my view is if you can't predict future, you should at least plan as though there will be one.

Expand full comment
Sarah Connor's avatar

Part me wonders if people are opting out to avoid the discipline needed to save and invest for the future. After all, it's a lot more fun to spend like there's no tomorrow.

Expand full comment
wratfink's avatar

I have long ago retired. and now draw SS. If you buy your home young (a fixer-upper), stay out of most debt and pay off your mortgage ahead of time, you may be OK.

No guarantees, but when I was young, I also felt that there would be no SS left for me...but here 30 years later, it continues to work.

Expand full comment
Sarah Connor's avatar

I agree that staying away from debt is key. I see people who continuously pile on debt every time they get a promotion (buying bigger houses, more expensive cars) like the gravy train will go on forever. These people seem to be having a lot more fun than me though...

Expand full comment
Aaron's avatar

I appreciate the last few posts addressing ideas not normally discussed in larger circles. Still very relevant.

Expand full comment
Sarah Connor's avatar

Thanks!

Expand full comment
Sarah Mancinho's avatar

"...when I hit 65 to collect the money..." Maybe, if it's there; which it might not be, and thus I am preparing a plan b, c, and d for retirement. Hope for the best, plan for the worst.

Expand full comment
Sarah Connor's avatar

Only during the last 50 years has it paid to be an irrational optimist. This was a rare period in human history. The cookie jar is running low - raided by previous generations - so I'm afraid it's back to status quo for humanity...hoping for the best, but planning for the worst.

Expand full comment
User's avatar
Comment deleted
Jan 13, 2023
Comment deleted
Expand full comment
Sarah Connor's avatar

The question is how does society get from here to there. Probably with a lot of violence, despair and destruction.

Expand full comment
Carolyn McBride 🏳️‍🌈🇨🇦's avatar

A creative approach like that might possibly save us, one person at a time. Those of us that are willing to do what's necessary, that is. I'm constantly flabberghasted by the folks who simply shrug at the state of the world and say, "Whatcha gonna do?" Hence my substack, "Adaptive Living"

https://adaptiveliving.substack.com/

Expand full comment