17 Nov 04
Originally posted by darvlayWhen Augustus was the Emperor of Rome, I'm sure he thought the Roman Empire would last forever. Likewise, when Louis XIV was the king of France, I'm sure he thought the divine right of kings was an eternal principle. But Rome fell and the French monarchy was overthrown. For someone who is fully immersed in their times it may seem as though things will continue as they are, fundamentally unchanged, for all eternity. It never turns out quite that way, though. Capitalism may not fall in our lifetime (that's a safe bet), but that such an anti-social system would reign supreme for all time is simply inconceivable.
This Earth will collapse before capitalism does.
Unfortunately, capitalism is here to stay - so you'd better adapt.
17 Nov 04
Originally posted by rwingettI see your point but I tend to think that this Earth just doesn't have the steam it used to. Back as short as even 100 years ago, there was nothing like the pollution we churn out, the threat of nuclear warfare or economic globalization, all things that threaten the safety of Earth. How much does this planet have left before we've raped all her resources and completely poisoned her atmosphere? And is that time remaining enough to rid us of capitalism completely?
When Augustus was the Emperor of Rome, I'm sure he thought the Roman Empire would last forever. Likewise, when Louis XIV was the king of France, I'm sure he thought the divine right of kings was an eternal principle. But Rome fell and the French monarchy was overthrown. For someone who is fully immersed in their times it may seem as though things will con ...[text shortened]... ), but that such an anti-social system would reign supreme for all time is simply inconceivable.
17 Nov 04
Originally posted by darvlayI'm not disputing that capitalism's dominant across the planet just now.
This is more than a phase. Open your eyes to the world around you.
Doesn't mean it will always be that way.
How long have we had capitalism - a few centuries at most. We moved on from previous socio-economic systems - we'll grow out of capitalism.
17 Nov 04
Originally posted by RedmikeNot before the Earth is a wasteland, we won't.
I'm not disputing that capitalism's dominant across the planet just now.
Doesn't mean it will always be that way.
How long have we had capitalism - a few centuries at most. We moved on from previous socio-economic systems - we'll grow out of capitalism.
Globalisation is the beginning of the end for this Earth and when it happens, capitalism won't be stopped, it will spread to countries who have yet felt her cold, removed touch.
17 Nov 04
Originally posted by darvlayAll those conditions may provide the necessary impetus to change capitalism.
I see your point but I tend to think that this Earth just doesn't have the steam it used to. Back as short as even 100 years ago, there was nothing like the pollution we churn out, the threat of nuclear warfare or economic globalization, all things that threaten the safety of Earth. How much does this planet have left before we've raped all her resources ...[text shortened]... poisoned her atmosphere? And is that time remaining enough to rid us of capitalism completely?
17 Nov 04
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Originally posted by darvlayWhy do you think that "Globalisation" will mark the beginning of the end? I imagine that once the planet is totally unified we will start hearing confirmed reports of angry green men out in space for us all to hate and wage war on.
Not before the Earth is a wasteland, we won't.
Globalisation is the beginning of the end for this Earth and when it happens, capitalism won't be stopped, it will spread to countries who have yet felt her cold, removed touch.