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Because the atmosphere is filling up and the oil is running out.

Oil's been running out since the first day we put up an oil rig in Titusville, PA. Thus, should we have never used the stuff in the first place?

Because our economy is collapsing & the leakage of wealth through the oil trade is a primary cause.

Right. The importation of oil caused the collapse of the economy. Good one.

Because the current arrangement itself is not a natural state of affairs, and is considerably more difficult for society to achieve than urban living.

And cities are "natural"? I guess all that unpaved green space in DC sure is "natural".

Honestly, all these Malthusian argument have been made since time immemorial. I remember in Kindergarten in the 90's reading a book written in the 70's guaranteeing me the reader that oil would run out around the year 2000. The real price of oil is no more expensive than ever in history.

People have a really bad habit of assuming that all the problems that happen to occur when they're alive are the 'worst' ever. It's almost like a religion; it gives them a reason to feel important. People like Squalish exemplify that. It's not like consumption of resources is a new phenomenon among humans.

So, if possible, stop and actually think about the scope and scale of supposed 'critical' problems facing the world. I would argue that man is currently in a more stable and productive state than he has ever been in recorded history. Why would so many people disagree with me?

Because they take the good things for granted. They forget that people have fought and died for centuries to preserve a republican form of government, that even in the last century many people didn't have running water, that food in America is cheaper and more accessible than ever.

But I guess rational moderate thought like that doesn't get much attention on neo-Malthusian blog postings.

by MPC on Feb 10, 2009 11:00 pm • link • report