Every civilization has had its rise, peak, and fall. I wonder where our peak is, was, will be. High levels of medicine and technology, still many areas of wilderness left; "now" seems like a possible candidate. We haven't gone far down the path of antibiotic-resistant diseases yet; it is reasonably possible for people to travel long distances if they so desire; communication technology is unprecedented; overpopulation is coming but not yet widespread.

It's quite possible the peak is still a ways off. It might also be possible that even after it, we will escape a catastrophic decline, simply sliding a bit before another climb; we are farther ahead now than at any time previous, after all. I rather wish I could follow along as far as I liked to see what exactly DOES happen.

copyright 2003 carrie lynn king.