by patience » Wed 24 Dec 2008, 13:47:07
My kids are age 40 and 42 now, but when they were 10 and 12, I told them that oil supply was limited, but would last a while yet. I expected to see problems from this in the future, so, for their own good, consider this in what you d with your life.
I reccomended that they choose a field of work that produces a TANGIBLE product, not just paper pushing, nor lower level service fields. Hard goods will always be needed. I think that hands-on skills will be a better bet than esoteric knowledge, in the future.
Look into alternative energy and educate yourself. Avoid the high-tech pie-in-the-sky stuff, like hydrogen powered cars, and concentrate on what individuals can do for their own benefit, such as solar space heating, and solar PV.
As we get further into the future, we will have more people and less resources to support them. This has happened before, such as in Europe (Great Britain had run out of big trees for shipbuilding, among other problems then) before North America was colonized, but now there are no more new places to go for resources. We have to live within our income. This is problem for everyone, but those who are aware and understand what's going on will be able to make better decisions.
Throughout the history of humankind, land ownership has been the basis of real wealth, and I don't see that changing. Owning the means to feed yourself, and knowing how to do so, is going to be a big factor of personal security.
It's all about basics: Food, Energy, Shelter, Water, and a means of productivity. Make your own choices, but be sure you are informed when you make them.
Local fix-it guy..