Matt5
Well-Known Member
Scriptural texts and gut feelings notwithstanding, a sober evaluation of the evidence suggests that the last 70 or so years are among the most peaceful in human history.
From The Harvard Gazette (Pinker explains ‘The Long Peace’ — Harvard Gazette) with emphasis added by me:
Violence may seem to be wherever we look, but the perception that we live in violent times is wrong, Harvard psychologist Steven Pinker said Tuesday evening during a talk at the Boston Public Library’s Honan-Allston Branch.
Pinker, the Johnstone Family Professor of Psychology and Harvard College Professor, said we’re actually in a period referred to by scholars as “The Long Peace,” which began at the end of World War II, and which is marked by the absence of war among the world’s great powers.
But that’s just part of the picture, Pinker said. Interpersonal violence is also at a historic low, he said, likely brought about by the spread of civilization, of police and justice systems, of literacy and global trade, and by concepts of civil and human rights.
“Violence has been in decline for long stretches of time, and today may be the most peaceful era in our species’ history,” Pinker said.
Granted, this material is from 2012, which is pre-Ukraine. But I suggest that such "blips" notwithstanding, humanity has become increasingly less inclined to engage in war.
I don't think you are going to agree with me, but stability does not beget more stability. Instead, it sows the seeds of its own demise. Basically, societies work like forests do. Stability, putting out fires, just means that after a long time everything burns down to the ground. America hits the danger zone after about 70 years of stability.
The Minsky Moment: Why Stability Leads To Panic And What To Do About It
"His theory is now accepted as a primary explanation for the boom-and-bust cycles in the economy."
The Minsky Moment: Why Stability Leads To Panic And What To Do About It
Economic stability is destabilizing and the seeds of economic calamity are sown during good times. Generally knowing where we are in the market cycle is an essential mental model that can promote better investment behavior.
www.forbes.com
That also applies to war. Long periods of stability mean the future is going to be even worse.
The Secret Mathematical Law Behind The Shemitah And Jubilee Years | Christian Forums
"If real life were the Lord of the Rings, then this secret mathematical law would be the one ring to rule them all. It explains so much about how society works, and how it breaks. It even points to a solution to many of our problems - the Shemitah and Jubilee years."
The Secret Mathematical Law Behind The Shemitah And Jubilee Years
If real life were the Lord of the Rings, then this secret mathematical law would be the one ring to rule them all. It explains so much about how society works, and how it breaks. It even points to a solution to many of our problems - the Shemitah...
www.christianforums.com
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