Excellent OP. Great subject.
I agree with the cycles of civilizations. They come and go. The number of things that have to line up just right for a society to flourish are numerous. One tweak of one dial and it all starts to unravel.
IMHO, one element rarely discussed are the termites in the structure of society. Those who counter the hard work needed to keep civilization supported simply to prosper no matter the outcome.
Perhaps an anecdote to collapse is the composition of your structure. Do you live in NYC? In an apartment? Surrounded by thousands of sketchy neighbors? Miles from the nearest source of clean water or food?
Or do you live on a chunk of land where you can extract your own food and water with a degree of security? If it's the latter, then that collapse will have less affect on you. Rome came and went but those living in the hinterlands hardly noticed a blip.
I agree with the cycles of civilizations. They come and go. The number of things that have to line up just right for a society to flourish are numerous. One tweak of one dial and it all starts to unravel.
IMHO, one element rarely discussed are the termites in the structure of society. Those who counter the hard work needed to keep civilization supported simply to prosper no matter the outcome.
Perhaps an anecdote to collapse is the composition of your structure. Do you live in NYC? In an apartment? Surrounded by thousands of sketchy neighbors? Miles from the nearest source of clean water or food?
Or do you live on a chunk of land where you can extract your own food and water with a degree of security? If it's the latter, then that collapse will have less affect on you. Rome came and went but those living in the hinterlands hardly noticed a blip.