Sanity 101: Living Fully in an Age of Decline (Basic Training) Essential Wisdom for Hard Times

No one needs convincing that we are living in hard times and in an age of chaos and breakdowns. Even those with no understanding of the runaway nature of biospheric and civilizational decline feel the stress. Just to read or watch today’s propaganda, formerly known as “the news”, is a sobering (or un-sobering!) experience. So… How do we cope? How can we stay positive? And, perhaps most importantly, how can we be of support to others who are confused, angry, depressed, or filled with fear, blame, or guilt? That’s what this “basic training” in living life fully and loving the life you live even in the worst of times is all about. THESIS: The stability of the biosphere has been in decline for centuries and in runaway (unstoppable) collapse for decades. This “Great Acceleration” of technology- and market-driven ecocide is an easily verifiable fact. The scientific evidence is overwhelming. Evidence is also compelling that the vast majority of people will deny this, especially those still benefitting from the existing order, those legitimately concerned about the consequences of collapse, those who fear that accepting reality means “giving up”. The history of 80+ previous boom and bust societies clearly reveals how and why Homo colossus (industrial civilization) is in terminal decline and destined for near-term extinction. Paradoxically, acceptance of collapse and its inevitable consequences may be the single most important thing any of us can do to live fully, fearlessly, and inspiringly in this Age of Decline: at TEOTWAWKI (The-End-Of-The-World-As-We-Know-It).