10 Signs the Apocalypse Is Upon Us
Ebola as not simply a global pandemic that kills and weakens large populations. It is also a “gateway pandemic,” opening susceptibility to other potentially pandemic pathogens, including some formerly under control, and creating economic havoc.
Progressively accumulating phase shifts of climate change: methane release, intensified storms, flooding, droughts, loss of sources of drinking water.
Mounting overpopulation reaches tipping point of consequences.
Substantial death of wildlife.
Cascading collapse of agriculture, including animals, due in part to greedy practices: pathogens in livestock, monoculture of plants.
Amplified disengagement. Heightened callousness and greed, fear and denial: pathological normalcy, insulated from life.
“Children of the Machine.” A progressively enscreened population whose children are imprinted from their earliest years to respond to conditioning by devices: the loss of the human touch.
Ramped-up use of religion as a shield for ulterior motives, as a refuge for evil, great and small.
A violent event visible over the entire earth.
The Flowering of Nemesis:
The nemesis that awaits our civilization
Is social insanity
Which in the end is always homicidal. — D.H. Lawrence
— Eugene Halton is a professor of sociology. His most recent book is From the Axial Age to the Moral Revolution.
11 More Signs the Apocalypse Is Upon Us
Deep-fried Twinkies
Inflatable yard ornaments
Bob Costas’ toupee
Notre Dame-Alabama championship game
The Real Housewives of New Jersey, The Real Housewives of Atlanta, The Real Housewives of New York City, The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, The Real Housewives of Orange County, The Real Housewives of Melbourne
Snuggies
Selfies
The Chicken Dance
Dude, Where’s My Car?
“Your call is important to us.”
Grumpy Cat
— Carol Schaal is the managing editor of this magazine.