I am so excited to read this book! I own World War Z, and loved it (better than the movie, of course) then clearly didn't keep up with his other works. So, I skipped reading your post, just so I can read the book with a blank mind, then will get back to you! 😄
I also just ordered one of his Minecraft books for a 10 yr old's birthday who loves playing Minecraft. Again, had no idea!
Finished the book this week, and just finished reading your article. It is amazing how many (most?) people, don't really get that we are only one disaster away from starving. And when I say, "most people", I include myself to a degree. Logically, I know it to be true, but there is the other part that has a hard time REALLY visualizing the reality of that. I do think, though, there is a distinct school of thought where some people believe technology is going to save us, but like the drones delivering food to Greenloop, the drones have to get the food from somewhere else! When things runs smoothly it gives people no reason to think something could seriously make things stop in their tracks. I wish it was normal in society for individual communities or neighborhoods to already have their stockpiles in case if disaster. Every household has what they need and every neighbor has that something extra, like more food or water, or tools and a skill, to share with the greater community.
My husband and I are trying to get a little suburban homestead going so we have something extra, just in case, but it can feel overwhelming when I think of HOW MUCH we actually need to grow so we preserve, not just have enough to eat fresh through the season.
The book was entertaining! And, I gotta say, when I went backpacking last weekend, I sometimes thought I saw Sasquatch out of the corner of my eye because the book was fresh in my mind! Logic said "no", but there was a little part of me that believed "maybe"... 😂
Elite panic is a subject I've found interesting since I first heard a podcast about it a couple of years ago. I've got "A Paradise Built in Hell" sitting on my nightstand ready to read, plus I've already read both "Tribe" and "Freedom" by Sebastian Junger. All are, or seem like they will be, valuable resources on the subject.
What was the podcast? Would love to check it out. Elite panic is a huge theme in "A Paradise Built in Hell." In each disaster Solnit described, the majority of the population was more inclined to engage in mutual aid and built these beautiful "disaster communities" that were truly like small little utopias. It was the elite panic that manifested so much of the violence. Will definitely check out Sebastian Junger's work.
The one thing I did before even finishing the book was to get maps, both print and virtual, downloaded onto my phone.
oooh good idea!!! That should def be added to the list.
I am so excited to read this book! I own World War Z, and loved it (better than the movie, of course) then clearly didn't keep up with his other works. So, I skipped reading your post, just so I can read the book with a blank mind, then will get back to you! 😄
I also just ordered one of his Minecraft books for a 10 yr old's birthday who loves playing Minecraft. Again, had no idea!
Can't wait to hear what you think after!
Finished the book this week, and just finished reading your article. It is amazing how many (most?) people, don't really get that we are only one disaster away from starving. And when I say, "most people", I include myself to a degree. Logically, I know it to be true, but there is the other part that has a hard time REALLY visualizing the reality of that. I do think, though, there is a distinct school of thought where some people believe technology is going to save us, but like the drones delivering food to Greenloop, the drones have to get the food from somewhere else! When things runs smoothly it gives people no reason to think something could seriously make things stop in their tracks. I wish it was normal in society for individual communities or neighborhoods to already have their stockpiles in case if disaster. Every household has what they need and every neighbor has that something extra, like more food or water, or tools and a skill, to share with the greater community.
My husband and I are trying to get a little suburban homestead going so we have something extra, just in case, but it can feel overwhelming when I think of HOW MUCH we actually need to grow so we preserve, not just have enough to eat fresh through the season.
The book was entertaining! And, I gotta say, when I went backpacking last weekend, I sometimes thought I saw Sasquatch out of the corner of my eye because the book was fresh in my mind! Logic said "no", but there was a little part of me that believed "maybe"... 😂
Elite panic is a subject I've found interesting since I first heard a podcast about it a couple of years ago. I've got "A Paradise Built in Hell" sitting on my nightstand ready to read, plus I've already read both "Tribe" and "Freedom" by Sebastian Junger. All are, or seem like they will be, valuable resources on the subject.
What was the podcast? Would love to check it out. Elite panic is a huge theme in "A Paradise Built in Hell." In each disaster Solnit described, the majority of the population was more inclined to engage in mutual aid and built these beautiful "disaster communities" that were truly like small little utopias. It was the elite panic that manifested so much of the violence. Will definitely check out Sebastian Junger's work.
It was a Behind the Bastards episode from November 19, 2020.
https://pca.st/episode/4af344f0-97d3-4fe1-a8f0-425a2d315ef3
It's also available on YouTube.