Fascinating - this essay makes a lot of sense to an "uneducated" layman. We as humans have lived through cycle after cycle and it amazes we why we simply do not pay attention to what history could teach us. Yes, I believe it is inevitable that North American life will change dramatically over the next decade simply due to the "it is time" philosophy. How do we cope? - Simple - use common sense and recognize we cannot continue as we have for the last 50+ years. The can cannot get kicked down the road forever and sooner or later the power that influences our governments has to flick the switch. We are close - and the 2024 election (if it happens) will be the first concrete example of what's in store - Be well - Zidor