06-14-2017, 05:08 PM
(06-14-2017, 02:22 PM)David Horn Wrote: I think the problem lies in the transition from the Industrial Age, that average people understand well, to the Post-industrial/Information Age that is best understood by the young and some of their more sophisticated elders. The neo-Luddites want their day ... again. Is this a vastly different scenario from the 19th century tranistion that lead to a disaterous 4T internacine struggle? The degree of anger is similar, and, much like then, the players are moving to their respective corners waiting for the fight to begin.
If it comes to that, how will it play out? It's not a matter of Region A fighting Region B this time. I fear it would be more chaos than revolt, and harder to quell. Take a peak at all the chaos in the middle east that emerged in much the same way. Let's hope cooler heads prevail, though a viable solution that works for all is a mystery to me.
I don't disagree with the gist of what your saying, but there are other plausible wrinkles. One might add post-scarcity to the Post-Industrial and Information Age labels for what comes after the Industrial Age. I know I've not a firm enough idea of what's coming to guess which might become the pertinent label.
And while the developed world might be shifting out of the industrial - scarcity pattern, the Middle East and elsewhere is still trying to break free of the Agricultural pattern. They are still working with strongmen, tyrants, royalty with a major role for religion. They still lack some of the memes that have to be firmly believed for democracy and human rights to work well. Thus, we have two entirely different age of civilization level conflicts running at the same time. Could the Middle East and elsewhere skip the industrial age entirely, and jump directly to a post scarcity information age pattern? If the economics, market and raw materials are starting to work some sort of post industrial pattern, is the industrial pattern a viable option?
Yes, this peace loving think it through and make the right choice hippy sympathizer can hope things don't blow up big time. On the other hand, the establishment elites of the industrial age seem determined to cling to the old pattern. I often think something is going to give. The old patterns just can't hold.
That this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom, and that government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth.