this post was submitted on 12 Nov 2024
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I don't mean better for you or me but better in general. Do you believe our species will ever reach some form of enlightenment or will we destroy ourselves?

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[–] [email protected] 6 points 2 days ago

The trend is that in general, living conditions for humans have gotten significantly better over time. Look how much better people in medieval times had over cavemen. Look at how much better people in modern times have over medieval times. In general, medicine and technology will continue to advance, further increasing living standards.

People like to turn a blind eye to technological progress and assume just because there are ebbs and flows in society and politics that it means that humanity is going down the toilet. The general trend has never been that way. We have ups and downs, but lives are generally continued to improve over time. I can't imagine that changing any time soon. Sometimes steps backwards are made, yes, but be thankful we aren't living in caveman times where you would have died during childbirth, from accidentally cutting your leg on a rock, from starvation, from getting eaten by a mountain lion, etc.

[–] [email protected] 38 points 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago) (2 children)

No. I used to believe we were, I thought every generation the world was becoming more open and fighting for a better tomorrow.

But not anymore, I think the rich has put short term profits over the needs of the world sooo much that it's placed the majority in a bad situation. And because of that, people can and will only be able to look out for themself first. Because they are in a situation where they have to.

And I think we've gone past the point of return, where the future will continue to go negative, whether it be businesses destroying the society for profit, or the destruction of the planet or financial crises and hyper inflation from printing money, or just some outright war.

The majority are so busy trying to put food on the table or get a roof over our head that we can no longer care for the rest of the world.

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[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 days ago (1 children)

We have the potential for far better, yes.

The real question is, will enough people want for us to get better...

[–] [email protected] 6 points 2 days ago (4 children)

The short answer is yes, as conditions deteriorate due to Capitalism and Imperialism decaying, and decay they must, more people become radicalized every day. If these radicals read theory and get organized, eventually a tipping point will be reached. The very fact that conditions are decaying rapidly means radicalization is also rapid.

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[–] [email protected] 7 points 2 days ago (1 children)

At this point, it could still go either way. Make no mistake, we’ve already done, and will continue to do, profound damage to the environment and global climate that will take generations to reverse (if that’s even possible). That said, I think it’s going to need to get seriously worse before the world’s largest polluters have no choice but to go against the monied interests in fossil fuels and plastics. Like many very wealthy people are going to have to be directly affected by this is always that can’t be disingenuously explained away.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 2 days ago

That's if Capitalism lasts that long.

[–] [email protected] 17 points 3 days ago (1 children)

Things only get better if we make then better.

[–] [email protected] 6 points 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago)

Yep, which is why it's an excellent time to get armed, organized, and "Read Theory, Darn It!" We absolutely have the power and ability to make things better.

[–] [email protected] 5 points 3 days ago* (last edited 3 days ago) (1 children)

As long as we keep not listening to the scientists, no I think there is no getting betrer. A world like ours is not going to get better as the climate deteriorates, and we cannot reign in the rich from continuing to kill the envrioment for profit. So long as carbon credits exist large polluters will continue to pollute and simply buy their way back into compliance. Based on the lack of progress on this exesistential issue for the survival of the whole species, at the very least its going to get a lot worse before it ever gets better, if theres still an environment that can support life left.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 3 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago)

Sounds like the answer is that we need to transition to Socialism sooner, rather than sitting around.

[–] [email protected] 6 points 3 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago) (2 children)

Things will get better, eventually, if we work for it. Our time is the age of the death of the US Empire. The decay of Capitalism in the US and Imperialism abroad drives much of the division in the world over today, but if we know how to get past this we will succeed. I recommend reading Marxist theory, it can be very comforting to know how the world actually works, and how we can overcome it. I keep a "Read Theory, Darn It!" beginner reading list if anyone wants it, let me know if you have any questions.

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[–] [email protected] 5 points 3 days ago (1 children)

Do you think things will get better?

Yes.

A lot of the problems we face are systematic, to do with how our society is organised rather than any human limit. They are solvable problems, and many have already been solved already in some countries. The reason they're aren't solved isn't because we can't, but because the few most powerful people are powerful because of this rigged system, and have a self-interest in keeping it that way by any means necessary.

History has shown us clearly that even kings, dictators and other broken systems can be overthrown AND stopped from coming back, provided the people doing it are politically educated and organized. That's the key. If we just get angry without a plan, we will end up like the pitiful Jan 6 riot. But if we educate ourselves with lessons from history and work to create a mass movement, we can finally move forward beyond this frightening present situation.

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[–] [email protected] 7 points 3 days ago (1 children)

I think it's gonna get a lot worse, but if we can hold it together then it'll be smooth sailing afterwards. Basically, I think we're approaching several "Great Filters" and if we can get past them then we'll be good.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 3 days ago

Either we progress to Socialism or we die out, that's the filter. I am hopeful, though.

[–] [email protected] 6 points 3 days ago (1 children)

The way I look at it, things have to get better. Because if they don't then we will destroy ourselves. Barbarism until socialism.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 3 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago)

Yep, now more than ever is a great time to get armed, organized, and "Read Theory, Darn It!" I keep a beginner list complete with audiobooks on Marxist theory, which is critical in my opinion if we want to achieve Socialism.

[–] [email protected] 0 points 3 days ago
[–] [email protected] 22 points 3 days ago (4 children)

Here's a bit of hope for you, scientists have figured out how to trick the body into producing any protein or antibody they want, through technology like gene therapy and mRNA vaccines. We're about to cure a lot of diseases that used to be 100% fatal. Diseases that kill kids and adults alike.

Most things seem to be getting worse these days, but at least we're making progress in other areas.

[–] [email protected] 7 points 3 days ago

Thanks, that's good to hear. New scientific breakthroughs always inspire hope, at least for me, especially when they save lives.

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