Canadian fantasy writer Peter Watts and evolutionary biologist Dan Brooks, both well-known figures in their respective fields, have been engaging in discussions centered around the imminent collapse of civilization. Their conversations, spanning over 40 years, are filled with pessimistic forecasts but also offer some potential rescue options for humanity.
Watts, the author of the critically acclaimed book “The Freeze-Frame Revolution” (2018), and Brooks, the co-author of “The Darwinian Survival Guide” (2024), are certain that the signs of societal collapse are glaringly apparent. They predict that by 2050, all arable land will be exhausted, leading to a possible global collapse starting as early as 2040 or 2050. Despite these ominous predictions, they observe that humanity seems to be resolutely marching towards its own downfall.
Brooks, along with his co-author Salvatore Agost, advocates for a return to the fundamental principles of Darwinian survival. They believe that the current societal focus on short-term benefits has led to a misinterpretation of evolution. In their view, technological advancements alone will not suffice; behavioral changes are imperative. By embracing Darwin’s original ideas, they argue that solutions to today’s challenges can be found, pointing towards necessary adaptations for long-term survival.
Brooks proposes a scenario where only a select few will navigate the post-collapse world through an evolutionary “bottleneck.” Drawing a parallel with the Norwegian seed bank, he suggests that individuals equipped with the requisite knowledge and skills can expedite the civilization’s restoration from potentially millennia-long process to just a few decades.
While the ideas put forth by Watts and Brooks have sparked debates, with some likening their approach to a selective cult, the underlying message underscores the urgency of recognizing the far-reaching consequences of current human behaviors. Their warnings of an impending crisis and radical survival strategies prompt discussions surrounding the future of humanity.
Despite the contentious nature of their viewpoints, Watts and Brooks offer a salient reminder of the importance of vigilance and preparedness for the plausible global upheavals. For those intrigued by these discussions, delving into the writings of Peter Watts in “The Freeze-Frame Revolution” (2018) and Dan Brooks with Salvatore Agost in “The Darwinian Survival Guide” (2024) is highly recommended.