The Oil Drum

Yeah, I think you're right on both counts. We humans are incredibly versatile, flexible, and hardy creatures when we have to be. So,we will change, we will adapt, to our altered circumstances, whatever they may turn out to be going forward. We will survive. At least some of us anyway. Whether "society" as we know it will be able to make the necessary adjustments is a far larger and more difficult question. I have my doubts about that. It will be interesting to see how Cuba's oil exploration goes. It would be ironic if they suddenly found huge quantities of oil.

Personally, in many ways, I'm going to miss some aspects of "narcissistic hedeonism rampant today". It's kind of charming, entertaining, and fascinating. It's frothy, glitzy, sparkels 'n' twinkles, it's glossy and grand, and is intoxicating in the extreme; at least for the rich, young, and beautiful.

I've tasted decadence and extreme luxury, and whilst it was great fun, at least for a while, I did get bored rather quickly with how shallow it all was. Not having to worry about money kind of took the edge out of life. The beautiful, glowing, golden youths I was surrounded by, weren't exactly the smartest people I'd ever met. Underneath the surface they appeared almost sad. Perhaps they changed? I know some of them died with silver spoons in their mouths.

I suppose what I really wanted out of life was knowledge, that what I really craved, not luxury. They sure had impressive libraries though. My parents never, bought, or even read a book, in the lives. In contrast to my youth, I now have a cellar full of really good literature, and usful textbooks and manuals, and lots and lots of quality tools. I have a sensible truck, not a sports car. I can, given the right materials, literally build house from the ground up if I have to. Perhaps I've become a one man Cuba.