Breaking Down: Collapse Episode 9: Questions from a Skeptic
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Nov 18, 2020 A skeptic presses on what “collapse” really means: a sudden catastrophe, or a long erosion of complex society? The conversation ranges from fragile supply chains and declining energy returns to exponential technology, AI, and whether innovation can change our trajectory. They also tackle how to judge evidence and why collapse talk can feel both unsettling and oddly hopeful.
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Opening Reflection On Mass Shootings And Gratitude
- The Patreon bonus episode opened with a personal reflection on recent mass shootings and gratitude for family safety.
- Kory (Corey) used the anecdote to illustrate mental health and the emotional weight of collapse-aware conversations.
How To Know Collapse Has Started
- Collapse can be identified when long-term growth reverses into sustained decline.
- Corey John says population decline, shrinking economy, lost technologies, and political collapse are clear checkboxes to mark collapse begun.
Catabolic Collapse Slows But Deepens Decline
- Catabolic collapse is a slow, multigenerational erosion where society uses up capital to delay major failures.
- Corey references John Michael Greer's idea that repeated catch-and-use of capital prolongs decline but erodes foundations.