The Urgency for Self-Reliance

The chapter underscores the rapid degradation of infrastructure in mass-developed subdivisions due to quick, cost-effective construction practices, leading to houses falling apart within a short period. It discusses the need to rebuild the existing system instead of patching up problems and emphasizes the importance of creating a new sustainable system. Urging individuals to be prepared for potential disruptions, it stresses the importance of self-reliance, investing in backup power, defense mechanisms, and being ready for scenarios where normal services may be unavailable.