by Tapas » Sat 18 Jun 2005, 03:10:19
$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('jupiter422', 'I') am scared of peak oil .I mean not all the time ,but every once in awile i get scared I start thinking deeply about it and deep in my thoughts a fear arises. I think the fear is the unknown.I'm not scared to die I'm scared of peak oil though.
Hi Jupiter422,
Peak Oil is a geologic reality that will affect all of mankind. It is an inescapable fact of continuous growth in a finite environment. If this is of any consolation, you will not be facing the consequences alone but rather sharing the fears, hopes and lost dreams of a family of brothers and sisters 6.4 billion strong.
We are all in this together.
Let's face it. No one is immortal. We all would die, some sooner some later. What matters most is how we live, how we share our precious time on earth with our loved ones that are here today.
You may find this fascinating that terminally ill patients enjoy a much fuller life than others who are just struggling with the rat race. When one knows the end is coming in a given number of years, they plan out their lives a lot better.
When people learn about Peak Oil they go through the same psychological phases. They get angry, they go into denial, they start bargaining, then they go into depression and finally find peace with acceptance of facts that are beyond their control.
People are supposed to live till their 80s, get a college education, find a stable job, marry, buy a house, have kids, retire and spend their free time enjoying the company of their grandkids and extended family. This was the dream that we were all taught to pursue.
It comes as a shattering blow to learn that things will take a radical turn by 2012.
Having said that, there is another way to evaluate the situation. Knowing that we have 7 odd years to enjoy, we can plan ahead to be in the best possible situation to ride the crash. This means getting out of debt as quickly as possible. Perhaps it is a bad idea to take on the burden of a mortgage. Perhaps it is foolish to spend 70 hour a week on a job just to be able to afford those fancy luxuries. Perhaps one does not need to buy that Plasma HDTV, or Corvette, or take that cruise to the Bahamas.
Maybe one could live a more meaningful, better life by scaling down. Maybe one could be making plans to live off the grid in a self-sustaining community. Maybe one could learn the secrets for surviving in a low energy lifestyle.
It is a given that we would not all make it. However, the odds will favor those who are informed, mentally balanced, agile and willing to adapt and conform to new conditions.
Look at the bright side. You were raised in a country life style, you know about gardening, animal husbandry, hunting and fishing. You are familiar with the Amish culture. You have the experience of batting it out through tough times.
You are well ahead of most of us in your psychological preparation.
Whatever the future holds, let's make best of what we have today.