|
Not quite as dumb, but sadly, the greatest use to which we've put our gift of logic is in rationalizing our irrational actions and beliefs.
Human appetites have an "on" switch, but no real "off" switch. Those brain centers are still built for a world wherein our ability to use resources is barely enough to keep us alive. While people can be taught to conserve, if given the choice, they'd rather consume.
The collapse, though, if it happens, probably won't be sudden. It'll be slow, protracted, and painful... but hopefully it'll leave behind a small number of societies adapted to a post-scarcity world.
|