Robert Anton Wilson uses these examples of that dynamic:

“The outstanding example of the negative self-fulfilling prophecy in our century is Joseph Stalin, who always believed himself surrounded by enemies. His own party, he suspected, was permeated by deviationists who hated him. He steadily increased the size and powers of the secret police, and each chief of the secret police, in turn, was executed as one of the plotters against him. They all signed confessions before they died; Stalin insisted on that. He wanted it in black and white, proof that his suspicions were justified. Eventually, it appears, his closes associates conspired to poison him. In contrast, there is the case of R. Buckminster Fuller, who stood one day in 1928 on the shore of Lake Michigan contemplating suicide. He was despairing because of his daughter’s death by polio and his own lack of financial success as a construction engineer. But, in a internal linkmoment of internal linkSufi insight, Fuller decided to gamble that the universe had some use for him. Today, he is not only one of the most influential scientists in the world, the inventor of a new system of mathematics and a universally respected philosopher and poet, he is also a multimillionaire. He is one of the most radiantly optimistic men on this planet, as everybody who has ever heard him lecture will appreciate. Now, let’s not confuse self-fulfilling prophecy with the puerilities of positive thinking or other Pollyanna philosophies that ignore reality totally in favor of a cocoon of self-delusion. Bucky Fuller, for instance, has had his share of hard times since his act of faith in 1928. His dymaxion automobile cracked up on a trial run and was never mass-manufactured. His most important scientific ideas were ignored for nearly two decades during which he was dismissed as a brilliant crank. He has experienced the usual human bereavements. Nevertheless, he transcended all such setbacks by believing that he could do something good in this universe.”

If we do reach a critical point in some places where neighbours attack neighbours, there’s no point trying to grow your own food or doing anything especially productive, so the whole community is lost. The re-emerging importance of local conditions might make it even quite likely in some unfortunate places, but less likely in others. But it’s certainly not predetermined.

Which is all the more reason to push the kind of work Rob and others are doing, which is community oriented so is completely on track to avoiding – at the very least – that critical breaking point. Whatsmore it goes way beyond that defensive position, envisages the opportunity for strenghtened communities. Relocalised economies with friendly people on the street will reduce the incidents of theft and violence without policing. The good will you’re promoting, the vision of a better future, grounded in permaculture design, practical skills and a series of short term goals – I can’t think of a better way to deal with those darkest concerns. I think these are compelling and practical enough visions to make a real difference, to themselves become self fullfiling.

There’s denial, and then there’s complete fatalism. I would rather walk the line between the two.

I’m preparing for the energy crisis, but the last thing I’d do is tell anyone how, where or what I’m doing. I think it’s time we all thought about the nasty things that will happen when the lights go out and 911 doesn’t work anymore.

And next time you post some juicey info on how to survive after PO, think about who’s going to be reading it and what they are likely to do when feeding their belly is the number one priority.