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Threat 7. The anti-technology vector.This the remotest in time of all threats against the life of humanity, but it is also the most absolute when it becomes an active factor. When the current energy resources become exhausted, while large scale nuclear energy development is prevented, an energy deficiency of such magnitude will occur that emergency measures will not be possible to save the day when the day comes. While this situation may not develop over night, it is likely to develop quickly. During the declining stages of oil production, more and more exotic technologies for production will be required that can be shut down literally overnight through anti-technology measures. Also the number of well-sources will be shrinking. Such seemingly infinite resources, as the Athabaska tar sands, which have an estimated reserve for 250 years at present levels of extraction (which is minute in global terms) may become exhausted quickly as the demand increases. The point is, that any interruption of advancing stages of technology causes catastrophic supply shortages as the dynamics on the supply side can no longer meet the dynamics of the demand that is placed on for supporting physical existence. When the discrepancy develops, nothing can make up for the unfolding gap, not even nuclear energy, should it be sought at this final stage. The characteristic of advanced technologies are, that they are not easily created over night and on demand. The more advanced the technologies become, especially the advanced fast-breeder nuclear technologies and the even more complex nuclear fusion technologies, the greater will be the scientific and technological infrastructures that are required to support these technologies, and the lead time required to create them. The development cycle of advancing technologies is naturally integrated with the cycles of the dynamic unfolding of life. A major upset in this system, through politically prevented development, has catastrophic consequences. These catastrophic consequences, of course, are of no concern to those who do not care whether another person lives or dies, or whether the whole human race, that has the potential to reach for the stars, is driven into the ground by artificially created limitations. Fundamentally, and ultimately, scientific and technological development is a manifest of love for mankind. Without this quality being reflected in the motives of mankind, few of the world's technologies would exist. The sheer immensity of effort that stands behind advanced research and development achievements, very little in terms of advanced technology would exist today. No amount of pay can motivate what love gives so freely for the advance of civilization. Unless Love continues to play a manifest role in the activities of mankind, and this not only on the side of the researchers, but on all level of society, manifest in a rededication of mankind to develop man's scientific and technological capacities, the foundation on which society has been established becomes lost sight of, as it largely has already so that society is doomed to collapse. And as Goya would say, "there is nothing that can be done about it. All will fall." If reason is to be restored to its rightful place as a pillar for supporting society, its foundation must be Love. No other foundations exist that afford the needed profit for society that opens the gates to infinity. || - page index - || - chapter index - || - Exit - ||
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