When a civilization is so advanced that it has the means to create ways for it to self-destruct...?

Question

When a civilization is so advanced that it has the means to create ways for it to self-destruct, does it mean that it is close to its life cycle? example:vices, crime (white and blue collar)

Answer 1

I am not sure we can ever consider a civilization as 'so advanced.' Advanced is a relative concept in this context. Societies can be said to be more advanced than they were at a given point of time. Therefore, there is never really any point at which a civilization could be said to be 'so advanced' that it has the means to create ways for its own destruction. generally the civilizational declines we witness are the impact of a society having reached a point where it is believed that there is nothing that is unmentionable, nothing that is truly private or personal, where everything is a public orgy of trying to 'enjoy' life. Such a stage is reached when there is no curiosity, no sense of wonder, and interest in discovery. There is so much of everything that it produces a huge sense of ennui. From here we begin the decline into crime and vices-for the ordinary no longer gives us a thrill. It has to be bizarre, extraordinary pleasure often drugs induced. Even then the core of societies and civilizations remains blue collar or white collar who are productive, innovative, and creative. It is they who sustain civilizations and lead the rejuvenation.

Answer 2

(I don't agree with your use of advanced, it's more like waylaid
from ethical and moral behavior,
because of people thinking that they are more advanced.)
When humans are used for testing. When the excuse of helping, depletes someone of their health, happiness, or livelihood. When pranks cause
destruction and/or loss of life.
When one person speaks his own mind, inferring that it was the wish of another, and carries
it to the point of loss of property.
When someone tries to claim
an others work or enact their position in security, enabling false information to cause loss of life and not face the real issue.

Answer 3

We (USA) have the means to do that now, but we have enough smarts not to. That doesn't mean it's the end. I think our demise will come from another country that just got the formula to build a nuclear bomb and they are just dying to try it. It will be their stupidity that does us all in.

Answer 4

Men create technology to gain money/power to ultimately get more women.

Now that men can create species-ending technology, we need a new social paradigm or our species is finished. We will have to communize sexuality.