Hypothetical Doomsday Scenario

[MasseyWV]

There is a satellite network which is capable of permanently shutting down all electrical machinery and appliances of any kind. The satellite network is controlled by a computer, which is controlled by a small hand-held remote device.

Enter a code then push a button and that's it. No electrical power grid, no TV, no internet, no cell phones, no cars, no nothing. We would effectively and permanently be thrown back into the stone age within seconds.

Would you push the button?

 

[tcartwri]

You would be responsible for millions if not billions of deaths. Cities would riot and burn. Starvation and disease would take care of the rest.

 

[MasseyWV]

You would be responsible for millions if not billions of deaths. Cities would riot and burn. Starvation and disease would take care of the rest.

I didn't state whether or not I would push the button, I asked if you would push it. From your response, I gather that you would not.

 

[forgeblast]

Isnt that the idea behind the show Revolution (TV series) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[MasseyWV]

Isnt that the idea behind the show Revolution (TV series) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

I was unaware of that TV series, but it looks interesting. The idea to create this thread came from an old 90's movie called Escape from LA. It was not the best movie by any stretch of the imagination, but it is what it is.

With all the crap going on in the world today, I thought it might be interesting to imagine what might happen if all our modern "goodies" suddenly became useless. Of course there would be mass world chaos immediately after such an event, but I was more thinking in terms of what might happen long-term.

Would the world be better off without technology?

 

[Blitzn]

I suppose if I would push the button depends on the day I had
However, there are times I think it would benefit society to be more independent and less reliant on devices and ignorance of such simple things as where their basic food staples come from. I grow weary of being lectured from the "elites" (generally liberal) about solar power and such while they fly private planes. They eat imported, I/we clean and cook my own chicken. I work with a city-lady who has never wondered where her food comes from, but complains about all us "rednecks". I'd love to see what happens to the big cities if that were to happen.
“When we get piled upon one another in large cities, as in Europe, we shall become as corrupt as Europe.” - Thomas Jefferson

I think independence is good for personal development.

 

[lockhaven]

the button exists but it is not a button, if we get a solar storm like in the 19th century the entire electric grid will be shut down all transformers fried. guess what there are not enough made to replace them. Months or even years till all the grid is working. a week without electricity causes panic just consider months, total breakdown

 

[Blitzn]

Yeah, but no television and an upcoming election season - wouldn't that be great!! ;-)~

 

[MasseyWV]

Being somewhat of a history buff, I can't help but to think back to a time before technology became such an important part of our lives. The early 1900's come to mind. Life was more difficult than it is today, but communities seemed to be closer, where people actually cared about one another.

Would I push the button? Maybe.

 

[32 chev]

Blitzn Got it right: :drink:

 

[Blitzn]

Being somewhat of a history buff, I can't help but to think back to a time before technology became such an important part of our lives. The early 1900's come to mind. Life was more difficult than it is today, but communities seemed to be closer, where people actually cared about one another.

Would I push the button? Maybe.

I've often figured I was born too late. In studies, I once came across a statement I had to ponder over. Now I wonder about it again periodically over a Coke and reflection. In the 1800's, it was possible to be born, live, marry, and die and except for filing a property claim or grubstake - never having any interaction with any governmental structure. Can anyone imagine such an existence? Does it terrify you? Or do you think you could manage?
By rights - that is the definition of Anarchy - per Merriam - a: absence of government b: a state of lawlessness or political disorder due to the absence of governmental authority

Wow, what a concept.
I think I could survive. My family survived the Depression by bartering. All my neighbors and friends - we take care of each other.
Go ahead - push it - but you'll have to ride over to tell me since I won't be missing my cell phone (but I'll miss this Forum).

 

[Ken]

Maybe time for Ayn Rand's book Atlas Shrugged to be read again .
Or Time for Who's John Gault to become asked.
ken

 

[sailorman]

Blitzn Got it right: :drink:

Indeed, snake got it right .

 

[smstonypoint]

I think independence is good for personal development.

The difference between naked savages possessed only of the rudiments of the arts, cowering in ignorance and weakness before the forces of nature, and the wealth, the knowledge and the power of our highest civilization, is due to the exchange of the independence which is the aim of the protective system, for that interdependence which comes with trade. Men cannot apply themselves to the production of but one of the many things human wants demand unless they can exchange their products for the products of others. And thus it is only as the growth of trade permits the division of labor that, beyond the merest rudiments, skill can be developed, knowledge acquired and invention made; and that productive power can so gain upon the requirements for maintaining life that leisure becomes possible and capital can be accumulated.

Your humble servant,
Henry George

 

[Willl]

Would you push the button?

Would it include zombies ?

 

[lockhaven]

would that mean no Julie Chan and big brother? wheres the button?

 

[Jim Shooz]

Looks like the buggy whip manufacturer is planning a comeback. :wink:

 

[dave1949]

In the 1800's you could die young or lose your wife to childbirth difficulties or lose a child to cholera. The growth of medical technology prevents that, but comes at the cost of necessary complexity. Imagine the chaos of cell phones/tv/radio without an FCC to assign frequencies. Then think of all the government related actions it takes to create, empower, enforce the creation of an FCC or modern hospital, it's endless--not that it can't always be improved upon.

I think the "button question" is asking if we have made a deal with the Devil in accepting/wanting the benefits of technology while resenting the complexity it necessarily imposes upon us. I don't think we get a do-over. If someone pushed the button, we would work like heck to put it all back together again.

 

[Mounted Madness]

the button exists but it is not a button, if we get a solar storm like in the 19th century the entire electric grid will be shut down all transformers fried. guess what there are not enough made to replace them. Months or even years till all the grid is working. a week without electricity causes panic just consider months, total breakdown

These solar storms have happened and have knocked out the grid leading from Quebec into the Northeastern USA. The one major consideration is that solar scientists can usually determine when solar storms will hit, the potential for damage and so on. Power companies can adjust accordingly. Now speaking of power companies, most of you recall the Y2K predictions and the potential outcomes that we would all suffer with. Didn't happen. Minor problems here and there, but nothing that wasn't resolved quickly.

As I said to my somewhat nervous co-workers when the question was asked as to what we'd do without power...it was simple...we'd revert to 1972 without computers, cell phones and so on. Oh yeah, you'll have to use a manual typewriter, which the majority of todays youth could barely muster up the energy to actually type a word, let alone a paragraph with.

Regarding the question would I? Not likely, I'm old enough to appreciate my comforts and my cold beer - particularly in these rather warm times.

 

[MasseyWV]

In the 1800's you could die young or lose your wife to childbirth difficulties or lose a child to cholera. The growth of medical technology prevents that, but comes at the cost of necessary complexity.

Modern medicine saves many lives, but at the same time it also contributes to the growing problem of overpopulation.

I think the "button question" is asking if we have made a deal with the Devil in accepting/wanting the benefits of technology while resenting the complexity it necessarily imposes upon us. I don't think we get a do-over. If someone pushed the button, we would work like heck to put it all back together again.

That there is a Devil there is no doubt, but is he trying to get in us, or trying to get out?