prodigal_fanboy
New Member
In the USSR's absence, it was an unopposed superpower of economic and nuclear might, and world conditions did/do reflect that.
What do you think the future will be like?
- Thread starter Jayson
- Start date
In the USSR's absence, it was an unopposed superpower of economic and nuclear might, and world conditions did/do reflect that.
Azure Kite
New Member
Somehow, PF always answers for me.
But yeah, pretty muchly we're the greatest economic and military power. Aside, from that, some countries (Japan, for instance) are becoming VERY Americanized. Many countries other than our own were in celebration when Obama was elected. And we're unlike any other nation in the world. Our governmental system and our signature capitalism have made us more successful than other form of government/economy. America is viewed as a promised land to many people.
prodigal_fanboy
New Member
I would like to formally object to declaring America "capitalist."
Objection withdrawn if you meant something else by the phrase "signature capitalism" (e.g., you meant "signature brand of capitalism").
Objection withdrawn if you meant something else by the phrase "signature capitalism" (e.g., you meant "signature brand of capitalism").
I think the US has some fair competition in economy and productivity from the European Union right now, and it's only a matter of time before China, India, Russia and Brazil overtake us. We're probably the most active military power on the planet right now, but China has a bigger military. We're lagging behind the rest of the developed world in quality of life, distribution of wealth, and education. I think we've already had our time in the spotlight, and we're on the decline now. But I don't think we're going to descend into a chaotic dystopia any time soon. Whether we are or have ever been the greatest nation in the world is extremely debatable. We have a very checkered past.
A lot of people in this thread seem concerned with population growth. I read up on the subject a little bit, and it looks like we should be hitting 9 billion people by 2050. Most of this population growth is in Africa and Asia, though. Europe, N. America, Australia and Japan are all basically breaking even on population, while Asia has a fertility rate of 3-5 and Africa has a fertility rate of 4-6 children per childbearing woman. Right now the world population is increasing by about 70 million per year, but it should level out to about 40 million per year by 2050.
Azure Kite: Just out of curiosity, what is your understanding of the second coming exactly? What are you expecting to happen?
A lot of people in this thread seem concerned with population growth. I read up on the subject a little bit, and it looks like we should be hitting 9 billion people by 2050. Most of this population growth is in Africa and Asia, though. Europe, N. America, Australia and Japan are all basically breaking even on population, while Asia has a fertility rate of 3-5 and Africa has a fertility rate of 4-6 children per childbearing woman. Right now the world population is increasing by about 70 million per year, but it should level out to about 40 million per year by 2050.
Azure Kite: Just out of curiosity, what is your understanding of the second coming exactly? What are you expecting to happen?
waynegg
CotD Editor<br>Forum Moderator
Other than:
Iceland: Sovereign with the same stable form of Government without change since 874. By far the longest lasting most stable government in modern history. Keeps itself out of foreign entanglements. In recent years, Iceland has been one of the wealthiest and most developed nations in the world. In 2007, it was ranked as the most developed country in the world by the United Nations' Human Development Index, and the fourth most productive country per capita.
Switzerland: Had a turbulent history until relatively recently, 1849, but has since broken any and all foreign entanglements. It is a country unto itself. It holds most of the world's true riches. That and it's complete neutrality and superb defensibility make it virtually untouchable. Ninth on the United Nations' Human Development Index, despite political grief from nations who continue to pressure them to chose sides.
In fact all of these countries (along with the 2 highlighted above) are better than the U.S. based on the United Nations' Human Development Index, THE measure of a country's worth which is based on many factors such as government stability, per capita income, GDP, etc:
Norway
Australia
Canada
Ireland
Netherlands
Sweden
France
Japan
Luxembourg
Finland
That makes us 13th most successful. Don't believe all the propaganda our government crams down our throats
nnaann
New Member
GDP per capita shows that America aren't number one, I know China definately have a big military. I think it's difficult to pinpoint a specific country as leading the way because there's so many factors which can define a great country and no country has all of them. Personally for me, I don't think there is a country at the moment that particulary stands out but I do think America are one of the most powerful.
In the future I see countries being alot more similar in terms of economies and standard of living. There's always going to be poorer countries like China at the moment who can offer cheap labour that westernised countries cannot match and will eventually become westernised themselves.
I would worry about the future. The human race has never really been forgiving to anything it has in it's power to use for itself, taking over countries like America and Australia from their native citizens, the destruction of the planet and overuse of it's resources etc. Apparently we're outstripping the amount of resources which could be sustainable to support us but 150% and as our population grows it's going to be more of a problem.
In the future I see countries being alot more similar in terms of economies and standard of living. There's always going to be poorer countries like China at the moment who can offer cheap labour that westernised countries cannot match and will eventually become westernised themselves.
I would worry about the future. The human race has never really been forgiving to anything it has in it's power to use for itself, taking over countries like America and Australia from their native citizens, the destruction of the planet and overuse of it's resources etc. Apparently we're outstripping the amount of resources which could be sustainable to support us but 150% and as our population grows it's going to be more of a problem.
Here's an interesting video about Thailand, whose population growth has gone from 7 children per family, 3.3% population growth in 1974, to 1.5 children per family, 0.5% population growth in 2000. It would be pretty awesome to see these kinds of results in other parts of the world.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EL9TBKSdHXU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EL9TBKSdHXU
Qwachansey
Active Member
By the 2060s and 2070s environmental concerns are going to be a huge problem. This is going to lead to an enormous war after which a strong union will be formed. Space colonization in the 2090s will take care of most of the resource problems; cloning will also help. Personal transportation and personal housing will only be for the super rich.
The strong increase in use of "handheld" technology will eventually have disastrous results which can't really be determined now. As outside and inside advertising increases, people will loose much of the concept of "saving up" seeing as they aren't going to be buying a car or house anytime soon.
But climate change is going to severely change the world's superpowers. What is the United States without its huge coastline cities? What happens to Europe? Etc.
Also, air is going to be a problem.
The strong increase in use of "handheld" technology will eventually have disastrous results which can't really be determined now. As outside and inside advertising increases, people will loose much of the concept of "saving up" seeing as they aren't going to be buying a car or house anytime soon.
But climate change is going to severely change the world's superpowers. What is the United States without its huge coastline cities? What happens to Europe? Etc.
Also, air is going to be a problem.
nnaann
New Member
Reading this and some of the other posts, it made me think. We're supposed to be by far the most superior living creatures on this planet and at the most developed we've ever been, yet the Earth has survived for millions of years without any problems and we're the ones wrecking it. It's ironic.
Benzo
Front Page News Editor<br>Forum Moderator
I think that plastic bags will emerge from the ground, wearing diapers, have mutations that involve some electronic devices with auto parts attatched and will be able to use toxic waste material as a weapon against us.
Just one of the billions of possabilities, and tossing it out there.......
Just one of the billions of possabilities, and tossing it out there.......
Benzo, yes there are plenty of possible scenarios, but some have more merit than others. The scenario you described seems really unlikely to me. Is that what you really think the future will be like? If it isn't, then it isn't an acceptable answer to the question, "what do you think the future will be like?" and if it is, then you might be delusional and letting your imagination get the better of you.
Azure Kite
New Member
Yeah, that's actually what I meant. A lot of countries can call themselves capitalist, but none have done it like us. I think our current government is straying away from Capitalist ideals, though. (on that note, everyone go out and see "I Want Your Money", a political documentary on government spending and taxes and stuff. Really puts our financial problems in perspective)
Well, let's not turn this into a religious debate, but I will tell you what I believe. I'd quote you Scripture but I'm on my iPod and I don't have my Bible at hand. We're told the second coming will be signified by increased war and chaos, and an overall abundance of sin. One could say that it's like that now, one could say that we haven't hit that point yet. But rapture itself is fairly simple. The Son of God will 'return' in all His glory, and God's elect will be caught up to him, and those who haven't believed will be cast out. More or less. I'd say if you're very interested in the end times, study the book of Revelation. Thr reason I brought the second coming up was to say, the world may or may not ever develope as much as people think it will.
@ Wayne: um, I'm not talking Overall human quality of living. We have stunning obesity rates, and the recession has made just about everyone suffer financially. Quality of life isnt the best. It is undeniable however that we ARE an economic and military super power. And I think our government has a lot of problems, and that we may soon not be on top, but at least for the time being we ARE among the best. We're a big country, and with that comes debt and enemies. We're economic rivals with China, and tensions are very high in the middle east. Why do you think the 911 terrorist attacks were on American soil, and not Swiss? We're the bigger threat, and the bigger target. As tragic as this comparison is, more people will know and care if the mighty America is attacked by terrorists than if a 'random' place like Iceland is attacked. Honestly, forget the 'facts' of a UN study. We're pretty darn successful, and a pretty great and powerful country. I'm not trying to brag, even if that's what it sounds like; just stating it how it is.
prodigal_fanboy
New Member
AK(47), even prior to the Obama administration, I don't think America could qualify as capitalist. Free compulsory education for the masses, subsidized higher level education for mostly everybody, social security, welfare, subsidies, heavy market regulations, public housing, zoning laws, regulated monopolies (1930s power industry vs. today, for instance). All of these are "socialist" policies that are deeply ingrained into our current economic structure.
It seems to me that we are a capitalist society which has been repeatedly willing to trade away the purity of its capitalism for peace of mind and a sense of self-righteousness.
It seems to me that we are a capitalist society which has been repeatedly willing to trade away the purity of its capitalism for peace of mind and a sense of self-righteousness.
Sir Bidoof
New Member
Enjoy it while it lasts.
---------- Post added 10/17/2010 at 08:30 PM ----------
I disagree that we are wrecking the planet. We are changing the planet's current ecosystems, for sure, but they won't die out; they will just adapt to the new conditions with new life forms, as they have always done. The Earth has withstood much bigger disasters than us-we aren't collapsing it anytime soon.
Azure Kite: Actually, I've read Revelation plenty of times (I spent most Sundays growing up bored in church with only a couple books to read - you can guess which ones) but obviously there are a lot of different interpretations of such a colorful work. I personally, take it as amusing fiction, possibly the recollection of a really unusual dream or the wild musings of a very active imagination. But the book has a very rich history and has been used and interpreted in many different ways over time. If you're interested to know more, I found a pretty interesting study of apocalyptic movements throughout history: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/apocalypse/
I've read a few sections of it so far and it's been really enlightening.
The question I wanted to ask you is, do your beliefs in apocalyptic prophesies change the way you think humanity should plan for the future? If so, in what ways?
I've read a few sections of it so far and it's been really enlightening.
The question I wanted to ask you is, do your beliefs in apocalyptic prophesies change the way you think humanity should plan for the future? If so, in what ways?
Azure Kite
New Member
Well the particular 'apocalypse' we speak of is the only end of time that will actually happen, or so Christians believe. It's not necessarily an apocalypse, because there is such a thing as post-apocalypse, and there will be no such thing after the 2nd coming. It's already planned out, and nothing will change it. I believe if everyone took the Bible seriously, we'd see a world-wide revival and I think we'd all start to get along a lot better. As far as changes for the future, just continue with the mindset of 'there will be an end, and soon'. We can continue to advance, have disagreements, and work with problems such as the environment. It's all in the mindset, and that can change a lot. As to what though, well, I think I'd have to see it happen first before I could tell you.
Yeah man, that's what I'm saying. >.>
Well how about WE HAVE BEEN CAPITALIST. Capitalism has long been our thing. Or else my American History textbooks are wrong. And I may be wrong, but I'm pretty sure we're more Capitalist than any other country, at least at our size. And yes, at times we lean more to the socialist side, but if I may be so bold, that's thanks to certain unnamed political figures we've had over time. The fact that we may be losing our capitalism is irrelevant in this discussion, honestly.
Benzo
Front Page News Editor<br>Forum Moderator
@jayson-
I wish I was dilusional. Then half the things I see that goes incorrect in this world will have justification to it's madness.
I do not directly have to answer a question that is left open like a door that leads into the endless possabilities of what the future holds or what can take place. The future is what the past has impacted and set motion to what may or may not come to be as a result of what influence the past had on the future.
When I am asked "What if / What does" questions,I do not always resort to giving logical responces with justification to impose MY reasonings as to have others look at this world the way I see it.
The future is before us, and it is our past that will get us there. Now take the population of 6 billion people and mash every "reality" senario from those points of view of what the future holds- you do get a "bonus" reply from a person who USES imagination as a reply.
My reply to the question at hand IS valid. The way the question is asked includes ithe use of magination. I simply used mine to choose as a way to reply.
If you want to critcize constructivly because a posting was not to your point of view that in your opinion held no jurisdicton as a reply that is "insane"( not saying you said that, stating how I took it)- feel free to open up your imagination once in a while to see that this world has had some bizzare things happen, and things that are considered "getting the best of you" like imagination- then I suppose that the future will not happen for a lot of senarios that REQUIRE some imagination to create or "paint a mental image" for others to use.
I have no problem with you as of yet. But I will not be told my replies/responces "hold no merit"-
ALSO- POKEMON is from a person's imagination. Go back 15 years ago, I ask you this: Will imagination be of use 15 years from now in the RPG industry for video games?
(why do I feel like there will be a "time machine" issue brought in on this?)(and no basis to support the merit of the issue?)
The future has infinite possabilities. And the way we have treated the earth in the last 100 years with all the expermenting and cloning, mixing chemicals, bombs, ect....- the planet will adapt over time. So, whether I think that the future will have walking plastic bags with auto parts and what not- is likely or unlikely- look at the hermit crabs who have resorted to using plastic bottles as a home. Or the un-recycled trollies dumped over the side of a fraight boat to use as a coral reef replacement.
I wanted to comment, make a quick and simple yet imaginative posting, and not dwell to deep into the topic. Now I have. I do not often take this much time on these types of conversations, as I do get analytical and tend to rattle on.
Thank you Jayson for reading my post. I am glad to see that my posts are read and contribute to discussions at hand, no matter the topic. I am glad it made you think or at least see that there are people who see the world differently. (no sarcasm included)- I always accept critisizm at any level that does not insult MY intelect. Please keep it that way.
I wish I was dilusional. Then half the things I see that goes incorrect in this world will have justification to it's madness.
I do not directly have to answer a question that is left open like a door that leads into the endless possabilities of what the future holds or what can take place. The future is what the past has impacted and set motion to what may or may not come to be as a result of what influence the past had on the future.
When I am asked "What if / What does" questions,I do not always resort to giving logical responces with justification to impose MY reasonings as to have others look at this world the way I see it.
The future is before us, and it is our past that will get us there. Now take the population of 6 billion people and mash every "reality" senario from those points of view of what the future holds- you do get a "bonus" reply from a person who USES imagination as a reply.
My reply to the question at hand IS valid. The way the question is asked includes ithe use of magination. I simply used mine to choose as a way to reply.
If you want to critcize constructivly because a posting was not to your point of view that in your opinion held no jurisdicton as a reply that is "insane"( not saying you said that, stating how I took it)- feel free to open up your imagination once in a while to see that this world has had some bizzare things happen, and things that are considered "getting the best of you" like imagination- then I suppose that the future will not happen for a lot of senarios that REQUIRE some imagination to create or "paint a mental image" for others to use.
I have no problem with you as of yet. But I will not be told my replies/responces "hold no merit"-
ALSO- POKEMON is from a person's imagination. Go back 15 years ago, I ask you this: Will imagination be of use 15 years from now in the RPG industry for video games?
(why do I feel like there will be a "time machine" issue brought in on this?)(and no basis to support the merit of the issue?)
The future has infinite possabilities. And the way we have treated the earth in the last 100 years with all the expermenting and cloning, mixing chemicals, bombs, ect....- the planet will adapt over time. So, whether I think that the future will have walking plastic bags with auto parts and what not- is likely or unlikely- look at the hermit crabs who have resorted to using plastic bottles as a home. Or the un-recycled trollies dumped over the side of a fraight boat to use as a coral reef replacement.
I wanted to comment, make a quick and simple yet imaginative posting, and not dwell to deep into the topic. Now I have. I do not often take this much time on these types of conversations, as I do get analytical and tend to rattle on.
Thank you Jayson for reading my post. I am glad to see that my posts are read and contribute to discussions at hand, no matter the topic. I am glad it made you think or at least see that there are people who see the world differently. (no sarcasm included)- I always accept critisizm at any level that does not insult MY intelect. Please keep it that way.