the question i saw was what will happen in 100 years. most answers were pessimistic. the end of the world, invasion of greed and all that. why not happy things? people are just dark i think.
2006-06-27 05:28:05 · 12 answers · asked by ratso_one 2 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
i rest my case
2006-06-27 14:55:58 · update #1
Benjamin Franklin said that he always expected the worst, that way he was never disappointed but was most often pleasantly surprised. :-)
2006-06-27 05:32:10 · answer #1 · answered by sam21462 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is easier to assume the worst in people than to assume the best in people. Sure back when the Berlin wall fell that was a good thing. But since the falling of the twin towers back in 2001 people assume the worst will come.
I myself think that things will get much worst before it will get better. From super storms to super earth quakes to another attack on the USA that will make 9/11 look like just a nice walk in the park.
2006-06-27 12:37:36 · answer #2 · answered by David H 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
People tend to assume the worst for a number of reasons. Typically, it's because their experience throughout life has shown them that failing to prepare for the worst has left them in unpleasant, even dire, situations. Expecting the worst helps them to consider what they can do to cope. In the event something better happens, they get to be pleasantly surprised.
People also tend to assume the worst because as one gets older, one gets familiar with the reality of human nature. People do horrible things. Oftentimes, the people with the best intentions will still do the most wretched things to accomplish their lofty goals.
However, your question was actually in two parts. One was why do people expect the worst. The other part was, more specifically, why do people expect the worst in the coming centuries.
People expect the worst in coming centuries because conditions on this planet are deteriorating to such an extent and at such a rate, that even the most objective analysis of the situation would indicate a high probability of catastrophe.
People all over the world do not have adequate access to clean water and food, to adequate education and employment, and to other resources. Due to global warming, overpopulation, and pollution, resources are decreasing as the demand for them is increasing. There is a high probability that there will be a nuclear war in the next 50 to 100 years. However, it is debatable as to whether it will be an extinction level event or merely a more localized exchange, for example, between India and Pakistan.
Irrespective of that, as resources continue to dwindle, human civilization will most likely be pushed to the breaking point. Think of the several billion people that presently exist in this world. In the next two to three centuries, due to poor planning and to global environmental degradation; the population will almost certainly decline to about a billion or less people. That is a staggering rate of attrition due mainly to causes that could have been avoided or corrected. Those that survive, if any, will most likely have to develop a more sustainable approach to managing resources in order to live.
It would be nice to think that everything is going to work out superduper ok. It makes for pleasant daydreaming and lends itself to creating a sense of hope. However, the evidence thus far indicates that a bright and happy future has a low probability.
Will the world end? No, it will continue to spin around the sun for billions of years until the sun expands and swallows it up.
Will life be permanently extinguished? No. Life will go on in one form or another because conditions on this planet are favorable for life to exist and to adapt to the conditions of this planet. Life will continue for billions of years until some point before the sun expands and consumes the inner planets.
Will human beings and human civilization be wiped out one way or another? Of course, an extinction level event such as an asteroid impact will happen eventually, though there is low probability for such a thing at any specific time. The real question is whether human civilization will exterminate itself either through war or through poor resource management. Right now, it doesn't look very good at all. There is a very high probability that things will get much worse than they are at present.
However, considering that what makes the human species so successful is its ability to adapt, there is a small probability that humans may change their civilization and change how they live and share resources with their fellow humans. In which case, human beings will survive.
Nonetheless, there is a global environmental crisis that is already happening throughout much of the world. It's only in the wealthy nations where people are insulated from the reality of disease, famine, poverty, and war that we have the luxury to pretend the crisis hasn't begun. It's not impossible that humanity won't survive this crisis as it worsens and spreads even to the wealthiest nations on earth. It just doesn't have the highest probability at this time.
2006-06-27 13:26:31 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I do believe it is the thinking of people! If you think negatively, and talk negativity, then the Universe and it's Laws will provide exactly what you spoke your word for and thought! Any condition can be changed by changing your mind about the condition. Some people might say that is not reality, look at what is happening in the world today! It doesn't make any difference what is happening in the world, it is produced and manifested by our thinking, speaking and actions. Think positive and positive things will appear in your life, conversely think negative and get what you think about
2006-06-27 13:01:40 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Most people believe that great expectations lead to great disappointments. I believe, by looking at my own experiences, that I have never lived through anything that killed me. I wouldn't be here if I did. I've learned to condition myself to have this outlook when facing the future. I've accepted the things I've failed at and moved on, sometimes from a new approach, which sometimes overcame those things. I always look for things to turn out their best. If they don't I know I'll survive and survival, which leaves room to thrive, is the ultimate success.
2006-06-27 12:44:03 · answer #5 · answered by Brian R 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When a person predicts a gloomy future they in fact are not trying to condemn themselves into turmoil but they are in fact stating the worst so that when whatever is going to happen happens then it will be better then thought. so you will never be let down.
2006-06-27 13:06:21 · answer #6 · answered by matrixskittlevet 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because the truth sucks...Self pity and loathing are always a easy way for people to feel their being catered to.
2006-06-28 04:03:20 · answer #7 · answered by Chris, Austin TX 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
is became human nature to assume the worst
2006-06-27 12:32:46 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
prepare for the worst and basqe in the best is my philosiphy
2006-06-27 12:35:22 · answer #9 · answered by giantdwarfbat 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hope for the worst and pray for the best... works!! :)
2006-06-27 12:45:59 · answer #10 · answered by Hu-me?? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋