{"id":69432,"date":"2025-10-31T03:00:15","date_gmt":"2025-10-31T08:00:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/olduvai.ca\/?p=69432"},"modified":"2025-12-12T10:10:05","modified_gmt":"2025-12-12T15:10:05","slug":"todays-contemplation-collapse-cometh-ccxviii-were-saved-good-government-has-humanitys-back-part-3","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/olduvai.ca\/?p=69432","title":{"rendered":"Today\u2019s Contemplation: Collapse Cometh CCXIX&#8211; We\u2019re Saved! \u2018Good Government\u2019 Has Humanity\u2019s Back. Part 3."},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"captioned-image-container\" style=\"text-align: left;\" data-pm-slice=\"2 1 []\">\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;\">Today\u2019s Contemplation: Collapse Cometh CCXIX&#8211;<br \/>\nWe\u2019re Saved! \u2018Good Government\u2019 Has Humanity\u2019s Back. Part 3.<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"captioned-image-container\" data-pm-slice=\"0 0 []\">\n<div class=\"image2-inset\"><picture><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"sizing-normal aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!EOqi!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F1b1a70f7-4cba-4dc0-8a2e-c6a0e62dcdbb_217x191.png\" sizes=\"auto, 100vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!EOqi!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F1b1a70f7-4cba-4dc0-8a2e-c6a0e62dcdbb_217x191.png 424w, https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!EOqi!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F1b1a70f7-4cba-4dc0-8a2e-c6a0e62dcdbb_217x191.png 848w, https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!EOqi!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F1b1a70f7-4cba-4dc0-8a2e-c6a0e62dcdbb_217x191.png 1272w, https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!EOqi!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F1b1a70f7-4cba-4dc0-8a2e-c6a0e62dcdbb_217x191.png 1456w\" alt=\"\" width=\"217\" height=\"191\" data-attrs=\"{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com\/public\/images\/1b1a70f7-4cba-4dc0-8a2e-c6a0e62dcdbb_217x191.png&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:null,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:null,&quot;imageSize&quot;:null,&quot;height&quot;:191,&quot;width&quot;:217,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:null,&quot;bytes&quot;:47743,&quot;alt&quot;:null,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image\/png&quot;,&quot;href&quot;:null,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:false,&quot;topImage&quot;:false,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/stevebull.substack.com\/i\/177556304?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F1b1a70f7-4cba-4dc0-8a2e-c6a0e62dcdbb_217x191.png&quot;,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:null,&quot;offset&quot;:false}\" \/><\/picture><\/div>\n<h6 style=\"text-align: center;\">Eat the Rich <a href=\"http:\/\/redbubble.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\"><strong>redbubble.com<\/strong><\/a><\/h6>\n<\/div>\n<p>In Part 1 of this multi-part Contemplation (see <a href=\"https:\/\/olduvai.ca\/?p=69411\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\"><strong>Website<\/strong><\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/medium.com\/@stevebull-4168\/todays-contemplation-collapse-cometh-ccxvii-we-re-saved-80cf999d606a\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\"><strong>Medium<\/strong><\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/stevebull.substack.com\/p\/todays-contemplation-collapse-cometh-2ad\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\"><strong>Substack<\/strong><\/a>) I challenge the belief that governments are benevolent institutions in service of the masses and argue that this is not only a dangerous myth but that they are instead structures of power that arose from exploitation and coercion to serve the interests of a ruling \u2018elite\u2019\u2014an undertaking that they continue to perform to this day. I further highlight that the elite depend upon a variety of manipulations to maintain such systems, including controlled redistribution of \u2018benefits\u2019 and pervasive narrative management.<\/p>\n<p>In Part 2 (see <a href=\"https:\/\/olduvai.ca\/?p=69428\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\"><strong>Website<\/strong><\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/stevebull-4168.medium.com\/todays-contemplation-collapse-cometh-ccxviii-we-re-saved-1575a559a156\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\"><strong>Medium<\/strong><\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/stevebull.substack.com\/p\/todays-contemplation-collapse-cometh-c39\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\"><strong>Substack<\/strong><\/a>) I expand on this \u2018good government\u2019 myth and how governing institutions legitimise themselves. In the modern era this is mostly achieved through the idea that governments shower their citizens with prosperity via perpetual economic growth, while the real intention of this pursuit is to enrich a small number of well-connected people and maintain status quo wealth and power structures. The economic policies implemented by governments are boundlessly marketed as benefitting the masses but their overriding goal is to grow the revenue streams of a powerful and influential minority of the population. While society\u2019s members do receive some \u2018benefits\u2019 from growing economic activity, a majority of such benefits are bestowed upon a \u2018ruling class\u2019. I explain how this story about good government is part of a historical pattern of justifying myths (e.g., divine right of kings, chain of being, civilising missions) to maintain power and wealth. I finish up this second part by suggesting that the entire modern system is built on a contradictory lie that is becoming more and more difficult to ignore and maintain. As a result, it is likely that the elite will create new narratives to sustain their control, wealth, and prestige as their pursuit of the infinite growth chalice bumps up against biogeophysical limits.<\/p>\n<p>We can already see a number of these new stories emerging\u2026<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<div class=\"captioned-image-container\">\n<figure>\n<div class=\"image2-inset\">\n<picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!T_G_!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0648b19b-119d-47db-9d8a-1188fb06d692_423x244.png 424w, https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!T_G_!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0648b19b-119d-47db-9d8a-1188fb06d692_423x244.png 848w, https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!T_G_!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0648b19b-119d-47db-9d8a-1188fb06d692_423x244.png 1272w, https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!T_G_!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0648b19b-119d-47db-9d8a-1188fb06d692_423x244.png 1456w\" type=\"image\/webp\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"sizing-normal aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!T_G_!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0648b19b-119d-47db-9d8a-1188fb06d692_423x244.png\" sizes=\"auto, 100vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!T_G_!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0648b19b-119d-47db-9d8a-1188fb06d692_423x244.png 424w, https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!T_G_!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0648b19b-119d-47db-9d8a-1188fb06d692_423x244.png 848w, https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!T_G_!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0648b19b-119d-47db-9d8a-1188fb06d692_423x244.png 1272w, https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!T_G_!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0648b19b-119d-47db-9d8a-1188fb06d692_423x244.png 1456w\" alt=\"\" width=\"423\" height=\"244\" data-attrs=\"{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com\/public\/images\/0648b19b-119d-47db-9d8a-1188fb06d692_423x244.png&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:null,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:null,&quot;imageSize&quot;:null,&quot;height&quot;:244,&quot;width&quot;:423,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:null,&quot;bytes&quot;:173118,&quot;alt&quot;:null,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image\/png&quot;,&quot;href&quot;:null,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:false,&quot;topImage&quot;:false,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/stevebull.substack.com\/i\/177556304?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0648b19b-119d-47db-9d8a-1188fb06d692_423x244.png&quot;,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:null,&quot;offset&quot;:false}\" \/><\/picture>\n<h6 style=\"text-align: center;\"><a style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;\" href=\"http:\/\/stock.adobe.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">stock.adobe.com<\/a><\/h6>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<hr \/>\n<div class=\"captioned-image-container\">\n<figure>\n<div class=\"image2-inset\">\n<picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!gl4z!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd4e7eb49-85c0-4e55-bd72-f7a643c195c6_204x66.png 424w, https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!gl4z!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd4e7eb49-85c0-4e55-bd72-f7a643c195c6_204x66.png 848w, https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!gl4z!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd4e7eb49-85c0-4e55-bd72-f7a643c195c6_204x66.png 1272w, https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!gl4z!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd4e7eb49-85c0-4e55-bd72-f7a643c195c6_204x66.png 1456w\" type=\"image\/webp\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"sizing-normal aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!gl4z!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd4e7eb49-85c0-4e55-bd72-f7a643c195c6_204x66.png\" sizes=\"auto, 100vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!gl4z!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd4e7eb49-85c0-4e55-bd72-f7a643c195c6_204x66.png 424w, https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!gl4z!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd4e7eb49-85c0-4e55-bd72-f7a643c195c6_204x66.png 848w, https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!gl4z!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd4e7eb49-85c0-4e55-bd72-f7a643c195c6_204x66.png 1272w, https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!gl4z!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd4e7eb49-85c0-4e55-bd72-f7a643c195c6_204x66.png 1456w\" alt=\"\" width=\"204\" height=\"66\" data-attrs=\"{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com\/public\/images\/d4e7eb49-85c0-4e55-bd72-f7a643c195c6_204x66.png&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:null,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:null,&quot;imageSize&quot;:null,&quot;height&quot;:66,&quot;width&quot;:204,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:null,&quot;bytes&quot;:15121,&quot;alt&quot;:null,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image\/png&quot;,&quot;href&quot;:null,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:false,&quot;topImage&quot;:false,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/stevebull.substack.com\/i\/177556304?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd4e7eb49-85c0-4e55-bd72-f7a643c195c6_204x66.png&quot;,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:null,&quot;offset&quot;:false}\" \/><\/picture>\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;\" href=\"https:\/\/buymeacoffee.com\/olduvai\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">CLICK HERE<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>If you\u2019re new to my writing, check out <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/olduvai.ca\/?p=69137\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\"><strong>this overview<\/strong><\/a><strong>.<\/strong><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><strong>Sustaining Legitimacy On a Finite Planet<br \/>\n<\/strong>There exist a number of ways in which the ruling elite will and are leveraging the challenges of pursuing perpetual economic growth on a finite planet to their benefit so as to sustain their legitimacy and status quo power and wealth structures. The following expands on a number of these, many of which the world is already experiencing to some degree and my belief is that these will continue and grow in form and substance\u2013with the \u2018quaint\u2019 notion that the masses have agency in the sociopolitical and socioeconomic realms drifting from view.<\/p>\n<p>Perhaps the most common and historically-utilised means of projecting legitimacy and supporting status quo structures is to identify scapegoats and enemies on which to lay the blame for undelivered prosperity. External enemies manipulating and\/or impacting global markets or some other aspect of our world systems, for example, can be blamed for resource shortages rather than biogeophysical limits\u2013a narrative that also serves to increase nationalism, military expenditures, and consolidation of executive power. Alternatively, there\u2019s pointing the finger at internal \u2018others\u2019 where some marginalised, domestic groups (e.g., immigrants, welfare recipients) are the cause of societal economic difficulties due to their receipt of benefits unearned and\/or unfair to the rest of society\u2013a tale that helps to divide the populace and prevent any type of unified challenge to status quo arrangements. Finally, there\u2019s the anti-growth \u2018coalition\u2019 (especially those crazy environmentalists) who can be targeted as the culprit and whose warnings and suggestions\/demands are labelled as \u2018anti-human\u2019 and even \u2018traitorist\u2019, and can be ignored and\/or demonised.<\/p>\n<p>Many of the global ruling elite can be seen favouring another means as well: the techno-optimist\/green growth stories\u2013which is no surprise given this wealthy group own and control the resources and manufacturing apparatus required to achieve the \u2018solution\u2019 to any limits to growth and the various predicaments arising from the pursuit of perpetual growth on a finite planet. This narrative promises that human ingenuity will find \u2018solutions\u2019 (e.g., fusion energy, \u2018renewables\u2019, artificial intelligence) that do not require any shift in living standards; in fact, they will improve everything and allow for infinite, \u2018clean\u2019 growth. This assured future helps to maintain the existing economic order (that enriches the elite) because with salvation always imminent the state can funnel massive subsidies to elite-controlled entities in perpetuity while marketing itself as responsible and forward-thinking.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<div class=\"captioned-image-container\">\n<figure>\n<div class=\"image2-inset\">\n<picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!IYF-!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F886a3fa7-95eb-4cab-94a8-f94716a1a449_350x298.png 424w, https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!IYF-!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F886a3fa7-95eb-4cab-94a8-f94716a1a449_350x298.png 848w, https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!IYF-!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F886a3fa7-95eb-4cab-94a8-f94716a1a449_350x298.png 1272w, https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!IYF-!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F886a3fa7-95eb-4cab-94a8-f94716a1a449_350x298.png 1456w\" type=\"image\/webp\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"sizing-normal aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!IYF-!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F886a3fa7-95eb-4cab-94a8-f94716a1a449_350x298.png\" sizes=\"auto, 100vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!IYF-!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F886a3fa7-95eb-4cab-94a8-f94716a1a449_350x298.png 424w, https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!IYF-!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F886a3fa7-95eb-4cab-94a8-f94716a1a449_350x298.png 848w, https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!IYF-!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F886a3fa7-95eb-4cab-94a8-f94716a1a449_350x298.png 1272w, https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!IYF-!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F886a3fa7-95eb-4cab-94a8-f94716a1a449_350x298.png 1456w\" alt=\"\" width=\"350\" height=\"298\" data-attrs=\"{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com\/public\/images\/886a3fa7-95eb-4cab-94a8-f94716a1a449_350x298.png&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:null,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:null,&quot;imageSize&quot;:null,&quot;height&quot;:298,&quot;width&quot;:350,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:null,&quot;bytes&quot;:192244,&quot;alt&quot;:null,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image\/png&quot;,&quot;href&quot;:null,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:false,&quot;topImage&quot;:false,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/stevebull.substack.com\/i\/177556304?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F886a3fa7-95eb-4cab-94a8-f94716a1a449_350x298.png&quot;,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:null,&quot;offset&quot;:false}\" \/><\/picture>\n<h6 style=\"text-align: center;\"><a style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;\" href=\"http:\/\/littleshopofstories.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">littleshopofstories.com<\/a><\/h6>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<hr \/>\n<p>There\u2019s also the plot twist where, when actual shortages begin to show themselves and lead to social unrest, the state can shift from being the \u2018provider\u2019 of perpetual benefits to the \u2018manager\u2019 of scarcity. This is an extremely powerful source of legitimacy and one that has been used repeatedly throughout history. During such \u2018difficult\u2019 times \u2018states of emergency\u2019 are declared, opening the way for the suspension of normal and expected liberties as well as sociopolitical processes where debate is curtailed and dissent viewed as blasphemous. Rationing (e.g., carbon credits, quotas) that is characterised as \u2018fair\u2019 will be the order of the day, and this will be framed as necessary and equitable rather than oppressive and intrusive. As for protesting, the building surveillance and security apparatus will be employed to maintain \u2018safety\u2019 and \u2018order\u2019 where \u2018agitators\u2019 will be characterised as criminals and looters that threaten society at a pivotal juncture for the nation.<\/p>\n<p>When technology proves inadequate for the blossoming predicaments, governments may transition to a \u2018managed\u2019 decline or \u2018austerity\u2019 story\u2013this is often seen after the declaration of war. The state and its propaganda machine (especially the legacy media) will outline the need for \u2018coming together\u2019 and \u2018sacrifice\u2019 but as the Conflict theory argues this austerity will mostly fall upon the shoulders of the masses rather than the ruling elite. There will be decisions about which regions, industries, and populations to support and which to abandon, with the rationale being of \u2018hard but necessary choices\u2019\u2013actions that reinforce the government as the ultimate decision-maker and authority in society.<\/p>\n<p>The growing dilemmas will also witness an increase in performance politics. Here we see grandiose promises (e.g., Net Zero by 2050) being made repeatedly and regularly but that come nowhere near their targets. The blame for the lack of success has been and will continue to be placed upon the citizens for not supporting the sociopolitical systems enough, especially through their lack of voting for the \u2018right\u2019 people (i.e., vote harder!). This finger pointing not only directs frustration back towards controlled processes but keeps the growth paradigm itself out of the limelight and free from questioning eyes. It also opens the door for far more authoritarian approaches because the \u2018democratic\u2019 ones weren\u2019t effective.<\/p>\n<p>So, while this end of growth is not likely to bring about the end of nation states in the near term it will probably transform them into more overtly authoritarian and managerial in nature. Governing institutions are going to be inclined to centralise their power in the name of \u2018emergency management\u2019 where resources become more tightly and directly controlled. Dissent will be increasingly framed as threats to security and stability. And elite privilege will be ensured by use of these tactics.<\/p>\n<p>In summary, governing institutions will morph from being \u2018abundance providers\u2019 to \u2018chaos protectors\u2019 whereby their legitimacy will be centred around a story that shows them as the sole thing standing between society and mass chaos and disorder. And there is also a good argument to be made, based upon past experience and evidence, that the elite will not be hesitant to take nations to war in their attempt to sustain their control and status quo structures in their nations. Further, I wouldn\u2019t be surprised to see marginal\/minor disagreements\/conflicts with long-time geopolitical foes\u2013and even allies\u2013grow, especially if they have a strong resource base.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<div class=\"captioned-image-container\">\n<figure>\n<div class=\"image2-inset\">\n<picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!JWwW!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F4b42ddd9-ae13-46a9-b511-308431a7fd00_294x119.png 424w, https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!JWwW!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F4b42ddd9-ae13-46a9-b511-308431a7fd00_294x119.png 848w, https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!JWwW!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F4b42ddd9-ae13-46a9-b511-308431a7fd00_294x119.png 1272w, https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!JWwW!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F4b42ddd9-ae13-46a9-b511-308431a7fd00_294x119.png 1456w\" type=\"image\/webp\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"sizing-normal aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!JWwW!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F4b42ddd9-ae13-46a9-b511-308431a7fd00_294x119.png\" sizes=\"auto, 100vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!JWwW!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F4b42ddd9-ae13-46a9-b511-308431a7fd00_294x119.png 424w, https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!JWwW!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F4b42ddd9-ae13-46a9-b511-308431a7fd00_294x119.png 848w, https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!JWwW!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F4b42ddd9-ae13-46a9-b511-308431a7fd00_294x119.png 1272w, https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!JWwW!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F4b42ddd9-ae13-46a9-b511-308431a7fd00_294x119.png 1456w\" alt=\"\" width=\"294\" height=\"119\" data-attrs=\"{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com\/public\/images\/4b42ddd9-ae13-46a9-b511-308431a7fd00_294x119.png&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:null,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:null,&quot;imageSize&quot;:null,&quot;height&quot;:119,&quot;width&quot;:294,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:null,&quot;bytes&quot;:100652,&quot;alt&quot;:null,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image\/png&quot;,&quot;href&quot;:null,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:false,&quot;topImage&quot;:false,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/stevebull.substack.com\/i\/177556304?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F4b42ddd9-ae13-46a9-b511-308431a7fd00_294x119.png&quot;,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:null,&quot;offset&quot;:false}\" \/><\/picture>\n<h6 style=\"text-align: center;\"><a style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;\" href=\"http:\/\/brainyquote.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">brainyquote.com<\/a><\/h6>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<hr \/>\n<p><strong>Economic Machinations<br \/>\n<\/strong>Given the current zeitgeist that governments legtimise themselves via (i.e., perpetual economic growth), what future manipulations are we likely to experience in the economic realm?<\/p>\n<p>Credit-money creation and resource extraction tend to be the two most important factors in perpetuating current economic growth. And this may be the core of our entire modern dilemma for these two aspects are on a direct collision course with existence on a finite planet.<\/p>\n<p><em>Resource Extraction<br \/>\n<\/em>In order to keep the growth-based system of modernity functioning, we are likely to witness a significant increase in resource extraction, especially as it pertains to our master resource: hydrocarbons, particularly oil\u2013and this is in addition to the resource decline dynamics that accompany extraction of finite materials\/minerals.<\/p>\n<p>We have already passed the peak of \u2018easy oil\u2019, the oil that is most accessible and of the highest quality. This undeniable fact has necessitated a transition to reserves that are more: difficult to attain, energy-intensive, and ecologically destructive (e.g., tar sands, deep-water, shale). The result is an ever-increasing loss of net energy and the need to extract faster and faster to simply meet current demands; and then there is growing demand to consider.<\/p>\n<p>We can already see the next leg of this journey in an intensification of \u2018last-minute plunder\u2019 (e.g., \u201cdrill, baby, drill\u201d) in order to maintain elite revenue streams. We are witnessing fragile frontiers being increasingly pushed into and their exploitation framed as necessary for \u2018national security\/interest\u2019 and to counter economic headwinds (e.g., impact of tariffs). In the wake of this, environmental regulations are being dismantled due to their excessive stifling of \u2018progress\u2019 and the need to achieve energy \u2018independence\u2019. This will continue and expand.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<div class=\"captioned-image-container\">\n<figure>\n<div class=\"image2-inset\">\n<picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!R9pN!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F53099089-a7b5-41f8-a099-a0bbddc1057e_233x137.png 424w, https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!R9pN!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F53099089-a7b5-41f8-a099-a0bbddc1057e_233x137.png 848w, https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!R9pN!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F53099089-a7b5-41f8-a099-a0bbddc1057e_233x137.png 1272w, https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!R9pN!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F53099089-a7b5-41f8-a099-a0bbddc1057e_233x137.png 1456w\" type=\"image\/webp\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"sizing-normal aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!R9pN!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F53099089-a7b5-41f8-a099-a0bbddc1057e_233x137.png\" sizes=\"auto, 100vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!R9pN!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F53099089-a7b5-41f8-a099-a0bbddc1057e_233x137.png 424w, https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!R9pN!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F53099089-a7b5-41f8-a099-a0bbddc1057e_233x137.png 848w, https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!R9pN!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F53099089-a7b5-41f8-a099-a0bbddc1057e_233x137.png 1272w, https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!R9pN!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F53099089-a7b5-41f8-a099-a0bbddc1057e_233x137.png 1456w\" alt=\"\" width=\"233\" height=\"137\" data-attrs=\"{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com\/public\/images\/53099089-a7b5-41f8-a099-a0bbddc1057e_233x137.png&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:null,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:null,&quot;imageSize&quot;:null,&quot;height&quot;:137,&quot;width&quot;:233,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:null,&quot;bytes&quot;:72283,&quot;alt&quot;:null,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image\/png&quot;,&quot;href&quot;:null,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:false,&quot;topImage&quot;:false,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/stevebull.substack.com\/i\/177556304?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F53099089-a7b5-41f8-a099-a0bbddc1057e_233x137.png&quot;,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:null,&quot;offset&quot;:false}\" \/><\/picture>\n<h6 style=\"text-align: center;\"><a style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;\" href=\"http:\/\/gettyimages.ca\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">gettyimages.ca<\/a><\/h6>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<hr \/>\n<p>The militarisation of resource scarcity is also imminent via increasing geopolitical conflict and war, but will be framed as anything but control of\/access to resources. The resulting international tension will grow as diminishing returns on extractions continues to bite. The narratives about all of this will be sure to be about \u2018external enemies\u2019 who are threatening the homeland in one form or another.<\/p>\n<p>And, finally, there\u2019s the paradox of \u2018green energy\u2019 extraction. \u2018Renewables\u2019 do not in any way, shape, or form transition the world away from our massively ecologically-destructive resource extraction processes; in fact, they do quite the opposite. But as we can see with the stories told about this supposed \u2018transition\u2019, it will continue to be justified and legitimised in the name of \u2018clean\u2019 energy, climate \u2018action\u2019, and human ingenuity \u2018solving\u2019 our \u2018problems\u2019\u2013with the obvious destruction hidden\/ignored\/denied.<\/p>\n<p>Unfortunately, this ramped-up extraction will become evermore destructive, expensive, and lead to greater geopolitical stress and conflict. The benefits to society as a whole, however, will continue to diminish while likely resulting in ever-greater wealth inequality as the owners of the resources and various industries see increasing profits.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<div class=\"captioned-image-container\">\n<figure>\n<div class=\"image2-inset\">\n<picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!FFCd!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ffc59f007-7321-4820-918b-43c8b1193a50_399x292.png 424w, https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!FFCd!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ffc59f007-7321-4820-918b-43c8b1193a50_399x292.png 848w, https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!FFCd!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ffc59f007-7321-4820-918b-43c8b1193a50_399x292.png 1272w, https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!FFCd!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ffc59f007-7321-4820-918b-43c8b1193a50_399x292.png 1456w\" type=\"image\/webp\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"sizing-normal aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!FFCd!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ffc59f007-7321-4820-918b-43c8b1193a50_399x292.png\" sizes=\"auto, 100vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!FFCd!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ffc59f007-7321-4820-918b-43c8b1193a50_399x292.png 424w, https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!FFCd!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ffc59f007-7321-4820-918b-43c8b1193a50_399x292.png 848w, https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!FFCd!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ffc59f007-7321-4820-918b-43c8b1193a50_399x292.png 1272w, https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!FFCd!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ffc59f007-7321-4820-918b-43c8b1193a50_399x292.png 1456w\" alt=\"\" width=\"399\" height=\"292\" data-attrs=\"{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com\/public\/images\/fc59f007-7321-4820-918b-43c8b1193a50_399x292.png&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:null,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:null,&quot;imageSize&quot;:null,&quot;height&quot;:292,&quot;width&quot;:399,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:null,&quot;bytes&quot;:142933,&quot;alt&quot;:null,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image\/png&quot;,&quot;href&quot;:null,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:false,&quot;topImage&quot;:false,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/stevebull.substack.com\/i\/177556304?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ffc59f007-7321-4820-918b-43c8b1193a50_399x292.png&quot;,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:null,&quot;offset&quot;:false}\" \/><\/picture>\n<h6 style=\"text-align: center;\"><a style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;\" href=\"http:\/\/cartoonbank.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">cartoonbank.com<\/a><\/h6>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<hr \/>\n<p><em>Credit-Money Creation<br \/>\n<\/em>Our financial systems are already facing concerns about their legitimacy and value. While most acknowledge that money is a claim on future goods and services, they miss perhaps the most important facet of this: these claims are very much predicated on future resource extraction, particularly energy. In a world constrained by biogeophysical limits, these claims become more and more tenuous in nature.<\/p>\n<p>One of the more important aspects to consider is the inflation\/deflation trap whereby essential commodities (e.g., food, energy) experience perpetual rising costs in concert with more costly resource extraction, leading to a permanent decrease in living standards for most everyone. A lot of this has been offset for the past few decades by the massive growth of credit\/debt.<\/p>\n<p>But with an ever-larger debt burden due to decades of debt creation to support growth, increasing numbers of businesses and individuals are defaulting on their borrowing causing decreasing demand and asset price deflation\u2013the killer of a system reliant upon perpetual growth. This situation \u2018traps\u2019 central banks and the state since raising interest rates to counter inflation tends to trigger a deflationary debt collapse. And we can already see a shift in recent trends with central banks moving back towards a monetisation of debt via the lowering of interest rates and \u2018printing\u2019 of money in an attempt to keep the financial system solvent.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<div class=\"captioned-image-container\">\n<figure>\n<div class=\"image2-inset\">\n<picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!nUHJ!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F549cdb9e-9316-4b96-a979-ef34b4afa329_425x284.png 424w, https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!nUHJ!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F549cdb9e-9316-4b96-a979-ef34b4afa329_425x284.png 848w, https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!nUHJ!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F549cdb9e-9316-4b96-a979-ef34b4afa329_425x284.png 1272w, https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!nUHJ!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F549cdb9e-9316-4b96-a979-ef34b4afa329_425x284.png 1456w\" type=\"image\/webp\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"sizing-normal aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!nUHJ!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F549cdb9e-9316-4b96-a979-ef34b4afa329_425x284.png\" sizes=\"auto, 100vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!nUHJ!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F549cdb9e-9316-4b96-a979-ef34b4afa329_425x284.png 424w, https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!nUHJ!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F549cdb9e-9316-4b96-a979-ef34b4afa329_425x284.png 848w, https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!nUHJ!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F549cdb9e-9316-4b96-a979-ef34b4afa329_425x284.png 1272w, https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!nUHJ!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F549cdb9e-9316-4b96-a979-ef34b4afa329_425x284.png 1456w\" alt=\"\" width=\"425\" height=\"284\" data-attrs=\"{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com\/public\/images\/549cdb9e-9316-4b96-a979-ef34b4afa329_425x284.png&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:null,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:null,&quot;imageSize&quot;:null,&quot;height&quot;:284,&quot;width&quot;:425,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:null,&quot;bytes&quot;:250715,&quot;alt&quot;:null,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image\/png&quot;,&quot;href&quot;:null,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:false,&quot;topImage&quot;:false,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/stevebull.substack.com\/i\/177556304?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F549cdb9e-9316-4b96-a979-ef34b4afa329_425x284.png&quot;,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:null,&quot;offset&quot;:false}\" \/><\/picture>\n<h6 style=\"text-align: center;\"><a style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;\" href=\"http:\/\/istockphoto.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">istockphoto.com<\/a><\/h6>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<hr \/>\n<p>This approach by the central banks is a weaponisation of financial repression. They will in all likelihood combine an attempt to manipulate interest rates lower to release some of the building pressure along with direct funding to devalue the debt itself. This is a stealth bailout of debtors (i.e., corporations, the state) on the backs of creditors (i.e., pensioners, savers) but marketed as necessary economic stabilisation. Their previous \u2018concern\u2019 about keeping inflation low will be softened with increased manipulation of headline inflation statistics, greater acceptance of higher inflation rates, and hardened finger pointing at \u2018uncontrollable\u2019 factors causing increased prices. The end result will be a massive transfer of wealth from the masses to the elite.<\/p>\n<p>I have little doubt that system-critical corporations (e.g., financial institutions, oil and gas companies) will be bailed out by the state as conditions worsen. The masses, however, will experience the impact of a fiat currency losing its purchasing power with each and every day. Living standards for most will fall, dramatically. We may even see the global rollout of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) as some are foretelling since these could be a significant control mechanism as things go sideways. CBDCs can be used that have a \u2018best before\u2019 component\u2013such as negative interest rates to discourage saving\u2013and control where and how money is spent via restrictions on \u2018unapproved\u2019 activities and products.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Managed Triage<br \/>\n<\/strong>It seems likely, from a self-preservation perspective, that the ruling elite will do all they can and for as long as they can to extend the current systems. They will pursue an intensification of resource extraction and financial repression in their attempts to \u2018manage\u2019 the inevitable \u2018collapse\u2019 of our unsustainable complex societies.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<div class=\"captioned-image-container\">\n<figure>\n<div class=\"image2-inset\">\n<picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!5q3y!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Faefb6759-4ee6-474c-831a-73cca4a807b7_423x287.png 424w, https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!5q3y!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Faefb6759-4ee6-474c-831a-73cca4a807b7_423x287.png 848w, https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!5q3y!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Faefb6759-4ee6-474c-831a-73cca4a807b7_423x287.png 1272w, https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!5q3y!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Faefb6759-4ee6-474c-831a-73cca4a807b7_423x287.png 1456w\" type=\"image\/webp\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"sizing-normal aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!5q3y!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Faefb6759-4ee6-474c-831a-73cca4a807b7_423x287.png\" sizes=\"auto, 100vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!5q3y!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Faefb6759-4ee6-474c-831a-73cca4a807b7_423x287.png 424w, https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!5q3y!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Faefb6759-4ee6-474c-831a-73cca4a807b7_423x287.png 848w, https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!5q3y!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Faefb6759-4ee6-474c-831a-73cca4a807b7_423x287.png 1272w, https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!5q3y!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Faefb6759-4ee6-474c-831a-73cca4a807b7_423x287.png 1456w\" alt=\"\" width=\"423\" height=\"287\" data-attrs=\"{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com\/public\/images\/aefb6759-4ee6-474c-831a-73cca4a807b7_423x287.png&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:null,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:null,&quot;imageSize&quot;:null,&quot;height&quot;:287,&quot;width&quot;:423,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:null,&quot;bytes&quot;:105047,&quot;alt&quot;:null,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image\/png&quot;,&quot;href&quot;:null,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:false,&quot;topImage&quot;:false,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/stevebull.substack.com\/i\/177556304?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Faefb6759-4ee6-474c-831a-73cca4a807b7_423x287.png&quot;,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:null,&quot;offset&quot;:false}\" \/><\/picture>\n<h6 style=\"text-align: center;\"><a style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;\" href=\"http:\/\/dreamstime.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">dreamstime.com<\/a><\/h6>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<hr \/>\n<p>Our \u2018good governments\u2019 will in all likelihood take it upon themselves to direct credit and capital with a strong hand (yes, authoritarian if you will) towards critical sectors while funnelling it away from those deemed non-essential. And you can be assured that they will frame this as necessary and beneficial for everyone. But what is considered necessary to the ruling elite tends to be quite different from what the masses hold as essential, and the benefits are sure to be quite disproportionate between the \u2018haves\u2019 and \u2018have nots\u2019.<\/p>\n<p>Funding for hydrocarbon and important mineral\/material extraction, along with the military-security complex, will be a priority. Alongside this will be support for \u2018bread and circuses\u2019 to pacify the masses. In particular, we may see a dramatic extension of income and food subsidies (the bread) along with support for the digital sphere and other forms of \u2018entertainment\/distraction\u2019 (the circuses).<\/p>\n<p>Whether or not the \u2018elite\u2019 actually engage in war with a geopolitical competitor or one against climate change in order to justify\/rationalise their actions, they will most certainly use the narrative of requiring a \u2018wartime economy\u2019 in which there exist strict financial controls and sacrifice from \u2018everyone\u2019 via the curtailment of certain \u2018freedoms\u2019 and \u2018luxuries\u2019 in order to \u2018survive\u2019. We could also see the formalisation of inequality where the ruling elite and their retainer class exist in high-consumption and -tech enclaves while the majority are transitioned towards \u2018managed\u2019 austerity.<\/p>\n<p>The \u2018hope\u2019, then, is to not experience a sudden \u2018collapse\u2019 but a controlled and extended \u2018descent\u2019. Credit-money creation is likely to continue for some time along with resource extraction but they will be wielded with increasing state force in order to maintain its power and legitimacy. This will occur in a world with an increasingly shrinking material pie where the ruling elite narrative shifts from the delivery of prosperity to one of managing scarcity for the benefit of all.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><br \/>\nHumans tell stories for a variety of reasons. To help make sense of the world. To communicate knowledge to others. And to manipulate the beliefs and actions of others.<\/p>\n<p>With respect to the ones told by our ruling elite regarding \u2018good government\u2019, the masses tend to believe them due to the human propensity to defer to authority. But also to reduce cognitive dissonance. For if the world\u2019s citizens were to acknowledge the argument that our governments primarily serve the interests of a select few and that we have ceded power and control (although that implies agency we likely don\u2019t have) for reasons other than what they tell us repeatedly, then most might be overwhelmed with discomfort, anxiety, and grief. So the vast majority would much rather believe a false narrative than experience such emotional distress.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<div class=\"captioned-image-container\">\n<figure>\n<div class=\"image2-inset\">\n<picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!CXW4!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc0c17895-a751-4b06-89d9-6f2762e60e8e_423x319.png 424w, https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!CXW4!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc0c17895-a751-4b06-89d9-6f2762e60e8e_423x319.png 848w, https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!CXW4!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc0c17895-a751-4b06-89d9-6f2762e60e8e_423x319.png 1272w, https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!CXW4!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc0c17895-a751-4b06-89d9-6f2762e60e8e_423x319.png 1456w\" type=\"image\/webp\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"sizing-normal aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!CXW4!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc0c17895-a751-4b06-89d9-6f2762e60e8e_423x319.png\" sizes=\"auto, 100vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!CXW4!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc0c17895-a751-4b06-89d9-6f2762e60e8e_423x319.png 424w, https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!CXW4!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc0c17895-a751-4b06-89d9-6f2762e60e8e_423x319.png 848w, https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!CXW4!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc0c17895-a751-4b06-89d9-6f2762e60e8e_423x319.png 1272w, https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!CXW4!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc0c17895-a751-4b06-89d9-6f2762e60e8e_423x319.png 1456w\" alt=\"\" width=\"423\" height=\"319\" data-attrs=\"{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com\/public\/images\/c0c17895-a751-4b06-89d9-6f2762e60e8e_423x319.png&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:null,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:null,&quot;imageSize&quot;:null,&quot;height&quot;:319,&quot;width&quot;:423,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:null,&quot;bytes&quot;:192628,&quot;alt&quot;:null,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image\/png&quot;,&quot;href&quot;:null,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:false,&quot;topImage&quot;:false,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/stevebull.substack.com\/i\/177556304?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc0c17895-a751-4b06-89d9-6f2762e60e8e_423x319.png&quot;,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:null,&quot;offset&quot;:false}\" \/><\/picture>\n<h6 style=\"text-align: center;\"><a style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;\" href=\"http:\/\/linkedin.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">linkedin.com<\/a><span style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;\"> (Rebecca Johnson)<\/span><\/h6>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<hr \/>\n<p>The evidence above strongly suggests that our sociopolitical systems have \u2018evolved\u2019 into institutions that primarily serve the interests of the ruling \u2018elite\u2019 and in particular their maintenance and control of the wealth-generation\/-extraction systems that provide their revenue streams and thus positions of power and prestige.<\/p>\n<p>Yes, there are some collective \u2018goods\u2019 that arise from these systems, and to be sure those benefitting most from these systems highlight repeatedly these collective \u2018goods\u2019. And they also stress that these would not be possible without their beneficent policies and actions. But in keeping with the evidence, it would appear that \u2018forfeiting\u2019 a percentage of a society\u2019s surpluses is merely the \u2018price to pay\u2019 to ensure the status quo power and wealth structures that benefit those that reside at the top of these structures remain in place and the masses do not revolt (as tends to happen when a society\u2019s wealth disparities become overly large).<\/p>\n<p>When one understands the above and that the fundamental base of today\u2019s wealth is predicated upon the various wealth-generation\/-extraction systems being maintained via economic growth, it is completely understandable why such growth is pushed and pursued by our governing institutions. Without this growth, the entire foundation of today\u2019s ruling elite\u2019s revenue streams and thus privileges crumbles.<\/p>\n<p>What\u2019s perhaps most important to keep in mind going forward is that the machinations to keep the power and wealth structures of a society in place will enlarge as we travel along the downslope of contraction brought about by the limits of the biogeophysical systems that support these structures. The elite will in all likelihood protect their portion of the economic pie by whatever means necessary.<\/p>\n<p>Regardless of the consequences of such growth (immediate and\/or long term), it will be pursued. Evidence and\/or narratives that challenge this pursuit will be ignored, denied, ostracised, vilified, perhaps even made illegal (e.g., see <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kenklippenstein.com\/p\/trumps-nspm-7-labels-common-beliefs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">this<\/a> where anti-capitalism is among a litany of \u2018violent\u2019 attitudes that can get you put on a watchlist for potential domestic terrorism in the U.S.).<\/p>\n<p>Once you begin viewing the world through the lens created by the discussion above, you can see the origin, maintenance, workings, and motivation of state governing institutions in a significantly different way. One that stands in stark contrast\u2013perhaps even diametrically opposed\u2013to the perspective painted by these institutions themselves and those that benefit from the power and wealth structures that arise from status quo sociopolitical and socioeconomic systems.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Mister Rate: <em>The world aint\u2019 what it seems, is it gunny?<\/em><\/p>\n<div class=\"captioned-image-container\">\n<figure>\n<div class=\"image2-inset\">\n<picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!e-qB!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd49a36b7-ccd1-4e0b-a4a1-79c222030b86_865x370.png 424w, https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!e-qB!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd49a36b7-ccd1-4e0b-a4a1-79c222030b86_865x370.png 848w, https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!e-qB!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd49a36b7-ccd1-4e0b-a4a1-79c222030b86_865x370.png 1272w, https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!e-qB!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd49a36b7-ccd1-4e0b-a4a1-79c222030b86_865x370.png 1456w\" type=\"image\/webp\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"sizing-normal\" src=\"https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!e-qB!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd49a36b7-ccd1-4e0b-a4a1-79c222030b86_865x370.png\" sizes=\"auto, 100vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!e-qB!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd49a36b7-ccd1-4e0b-a4a1-79c222030b86_865x370.png 424w, https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!e-qB!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd49a36b7-ccd1-4e0b-a4a1-79c222030b86_865x370.png 848w, https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!e-qB!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd49a36b7-ccd1-4e0b-a4a1-79c222030b86_865x370.png 1272w, https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!e-qB!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd49a36b7-ccd1-4e0b-a4a1-79c222030b86_865x370.png 1456w\" alt=\"\" width=\"865\" height=\"370\" data-attrs=\"{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com\/public\/images\/d49a36b7-ccd1-4e0b-a4a1-79c222030b86_865x370.png&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:null,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:null,&quot;imageSize&quot;:null,&quot;height&quot;:370,&quot;width&quot;:865,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:null,&quot;bytes&quot;:401417,&quot;alt&quot;:null,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image\/png&quot;,&quot;href&quot;:null,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:false,&quot;topImage&quot;:false,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/stevebull.substack.com\/i\/177556304?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd49a36b7-ccd1-4e0b-a4a1-79c222030b86_865x370.png&quot;,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:null,&quot;offset&quot;:false}\" \/><\/picture>\n<h6 style=\"text-align: center;\"><a style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=mn60YWO218k\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Movie clip<\/a><span style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;\"> Shooter (2007) Paramount &amp; Di Bonaventura Pictures<\/span><\/h6>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<hr \/>\n<p>As humanity lurches ever-forward towards a reckoning with the consequences of their ecological overshoot predicament, its various symptom predicaments, and a variety of problems (due mostly to increasing complexity and investments in these experiencing diminishing returns), the prospects for humanity being \u2018saved\u2019 by institutions that serve a ruling elite are dim. In fact, it may not be hyperbole to state that such a prospect is non-existent.<\/p>\n<p>\u2018Control\u2019 of the globe\u2019s socioeconomic and sociopolitical policies and actions are in the hands of individuals, families, and various well-connected\/influential interest groups who have discovered that their revenue streams, power\/clout, and\/or prestige can best be maintained through the pursuit of perpetual economic growth. This is their primary motivation: continue to chase the infinite growth chalice and divert a good portion of the resulting \u2018wealth\u2019 to friends, family, and influential supporters. Everything else is secondary and tertiary.<\/p>\n<p>The rest of the world\u2019s population doesn\u2019t matter (except perhaps as tax donkeys and labourers). The destruction of the globe\u2019s ecological systems doesn\u2019t matter (except when it impacts profits). Other species don\u2019t matter (only humans do, especially the ruling elite). Little else matters\u2013except where it can be leveraged to create additional revenue streams and profit.<\/p>\n<p>Continuing to believe such institutions and their \u2018representatives\u2019 serve the interests of the masses rather than the ruling elite is misguided, to say the least\u2013especially as we bump up against the biogeophysical limits of a finite planet and humanity\u2019s economy begins to contract. It is believing in a myth perpetuated to maintain status quo power and wealth structures but marketed to all as having been created as a \u2018service\u2019 to everyone and must be supported.<\/p>\n<p>We will experience the stories about why we must support these systems shift, particularly as our economic and political worlds change in response to growth limits and the multitude of negative consequences that arise from having pursued it for so long and so destructively.<\/p>\n<p>The evidence demonstrates that not only have these institutions come into existence via coercion and exploitation, but that the maintenance of the systems that perpetuate current power and wealth structures requires activities and complexities that are exacerbating our predicaments and creating all sorts of additional problems and evermore complexity. A recipe that, in the longer run, serves no one\u2019s interests but is being chased nonetheless while being marketed as THE solution to the problems and predicaments that have arisen as a result of pursuing it.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p>A few recent and relevant posts:<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.birchgold.com\/blog\/news\/the-great-debasement\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">The Great Debasement: Why Currencies Keep Losing Value<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/internationalman.com\/articles\/americas-sixth-default-is-coming-what-it-means-for-gold-and-your-wealth\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">America\u2019s Sixth Default Is Coming\u2014What It Means for Gold and Your Wealth<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/ggtvstreams.substack.com\/p\/the-trump-tariff-and-the-stock-market\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">The Trump Tariff and Stock Market Scam<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/rubino.substack.com\/p\/the-us-quietly-bails-out-its-banks\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">The U.S. Quietly Bails Out Its Banks<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/quoththeraven.substack.com\/p\/shit-is-breakingand-it-will-get-worse\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Shit Is Breaking..And It Will Get Worse<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.racket.news\/p\/gain-of-function-monetary-policy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Gain-of-Function Monetary Policy &#8211; by Eric Salzman<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.visualcapitalist.com\/visualizing-global-wealth-inequality\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Visualizing Global Wealth Inequality in 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/cmarmitage.substack.com\/p\/american-oligarchs-the-media-consolidation\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">American Oligarchs: The Media Consolidation Timeline<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/neuburger.substack.com\/p\/the-augean-stables-how-corruption\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">The American Augean Stables \u2014 How Corruption Has Amended the Constitution<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/degrowthistheanswer.substack.com\/p\/what-does-an-economy-without-growth\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">What Does an Economy Without Growth Look Like?<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.eugyppius.com\/p\/german-police-raid-the-home-of-renowned\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">German police raid the home of renowned media critic and WELT columnist Norbert Bolz for an ironic tweet, in latest case of insane speech repression to hit the Federal Republic<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.globalresearch.ca\/us-war-venezuela-big-oil\/5903598\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">US War on Venezuela? Big Oil, a \u201cNobel Peace Prize Winner\u201d and the Bolivarian Resistance &#8211; Global Research<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/ggtvstreams.substack.com\/p\/tanzania-faces-mounting-political\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Tanzania Faces Mounting Political Repression Ahead Of Elections<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/dailyreckoning.com\/the-bezzel-is-it-1925-all-over-again\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">The Bezzel: Is it 1925 All Over Again? &#8211; The Daily Reckoning<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/charleshughsmith.substack.com\/p\/zirp-or-zap-will-the-feds-zero-interest\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">ZIRP or ZAP? Will the Fed\u2019s \u2018Zero-Interest Rate Policy\u2019 Return, and Will It Work?<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/collapseofindustrialcivilization.com\/2025\/10\/24\/2035-permanent-crisis-the-world-after-american-unraveling\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">2035: Permanent Crisis \u2013 The World After American Unraveling | Collapse of Industrial Civilization<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/open.substack.com\/pub\/charleshughsmith\/p\/the-revolution-trilogy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">The Revolution Trilogy<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/open.substack.com\/pub\/thehonestsorcerer\/p\/what-comes-after-the-current-financial\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">What Comes After the Current Financial System Ends?<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/consciousnessofsheep.co.uk\/2025\/10\/24\/what-does-the-government-know\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">What does the government know?<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/internationalman.com\/articles\/the-feds-pivot-the-return-of-easy-money-and-the-inflation-storm-ahead\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">The Fed\u2019s Pivot: The Return of Easy Money and the Inflation Storm Ahead<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/thedukereport.substack.com\/p\/web-of-debt\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Web of Debt &#8211; The Duke Report<\/a><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p>What is going to be my standard <strong>WARNING\/ADVICE<\/strong> going forward and that I have reiterated in various ways before this:<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOnly time will tell how this all unfolds but there\u2019s nothing wrong with preparing for the worst by \u2018collapsing now to avoid the rush\u2019 and pursuing self-sufficiency. By this I mean removing as many dependencies on the Matrix as is possible and making do, locally. And if one can do this without negative impacts upon our fragile ecosystems or do so while creating more resilient ecosystems, all the better.<\/p>\n<p>Building community (maybe even just household) resilience to as high a level as possible seems prudent given the uncertainties of an unpredictable future. There\u2019s no guarantee it will ensure \u2018recovery\u2019 after a significant societal stressor\/shock but it should increase the probability of it and that, perhaps, is all we can \u2018hope\u2019 for from its pursuit.\u201d<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p>If you have arrived here and get something out of my writing, <strong>please consider ordering the trilogy of my \u2018fictional\u2019 novel series, Olduvai (PDF files; only $9.99 Canadian)<\/strong>, via my <a href=\"https:\/\/olduvai.ca\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">website<\/a> or the link below \u2014 the \u2018profits\u2019 of which help me to keep my internet presence alive and first book available in print (and is available via various online retailers).<\/p>\n<p>Attempting a new payment system as I am contemplating shutting down my site in the future (given the ever-increasing costs to keep it running).<\/p>\n<p>If you are interested in purchasing any of the 3 books individually or the trilogy, please try the link below indicating which book(s) you are purchasing.<\/p>\n<p>Costs (Canadian dollars):<br \/>\nBook 1: $2.99<br \/>\nBook 2: $3.89<br \/>\nBook 3: $3.89<br \/>\nTrilogy: $9.99<\/p>\n<p><strong>Feel free to throw in a \u2018tip\u2019 on top of the base cost if you wish; perhaps by paying in U.S. dollars instead of Canadian. Every few cents\/dollars helps\u2026<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/paypal.me\/olduvaitrilogy?country.x=CA&amp;locale.x=en_US\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\"><strong>https:\/\/paypal.me\/olduvaitrilogy?country.x=CA&amp;locale.x=en_US<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p>If you do not hear from me within 48 hours or you are having trouble with the system, please email me: olduvaitrilogy@gmail.com.<\/p>\n<p>You can also find a variety of resources, particularly my summary notes for a handful of texts, especially William Catton\u2019s Overshoot and Joseph Tainter\u2019s Collapse of Complex Societies: see <a href=\"https:\/\/olduvai.ca\/?page_id=55981\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Today\u2019s Contemplation: Collapse Cometh CCXIX&#8211; We\u2019re Saved! \u2018Good Government\u2019 Has Humanity\u2019s Back. Part 3. Eat the Rich redbubble.com In Part 1 of this multi-part Contemplation (see Website Medium Substack) I challenge the belief that governments are benevolent institutions in service of the masses and argue that this is not only a dangerous myth but that [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2,3,4,5,6,7],"tags":[22093,355,379,32382,538,26071,637,30370,33947],"class_list":["post-69432","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-economics","category-energy-2","category-environment","category-geopolitics","category-liberty","category-survival-2","tag-ecological-overshoot","tag-geopolitics-2","tag-government","tag-green-technology","tag-money-printing","tag-narrative-management","tag-politics","tag-todays-contemplation","tag-todays-contemplation-collapse-cometh"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/olduvai.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/69432","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/olduvai.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/olduvai.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/olduvai.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/olduvai.ca\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=69432"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/olduvai.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/69432\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":69475,"href":"https:\/\/olduvai.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/69432\/revisions\/69475"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/olduvai.ca\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=69432"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/olduvai.ca\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=69432"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/olduvai.ca\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=69432"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}