Question Is 2020 the beginning of the end of the world?

[UsefulIdiot]

Back in the early 80's (I am dating myself), when the USSR and nuclear winter were real threats, for my own amusement I started asking people if they thought they would see the end of the world in their lifetimes. I was surprised by how many did. For all it's problems the world has improved quite a bit since that time, and this has reinforced my natural optimism. But this year is a year of crisis - the Carona virus is a serious threat, a long over-due recession/depression may be coming soon, identity politics is dividing people into warring camps, there is rising totalitarianism, serious economic inequality over most of the planet, climate change, rising ocean levels ... I personally think we are in for a tough time but we will get through it, and perhaps even prosper in a few years. How about you guys? Is 2020 just a year of crisis or is it the beginning of the end?

 

[three-eighths]

Technically, (and pedantically) every year is the beginning of the end.
Having lived through the same uncertainty in the 80s as you, I think the current world situation will be a call to arms for all of the people who want to see a change. Things appear 'bad' enough to motivate more people to GOYA.

 

[UsefulIdiot]

Technically, (and pedantically) every year is the beginning of the end.
Having lived through the same uncertainty in the 80s as you, I think the current world situation will be a call to arms for all of the people who want to see a change. Things appear 'bad' enough to motivate more people to GOYA.

I had to look up GOYA (get off your ass). I agree - crisis can lead to shit getting done.

 

[vanelric]

The world? I doubt it. The end of mankind, of civilization maybe would be more likely but I also doubt that. People are strangely drawn to the notion that these things will end within their lifetimes, a notion that can be traced back thousands of years. I can't help but feel like there's some arrogance to that (no offense intended to anyone). Personally I believe things will continue on long after we're a distant memory, but who knows.

 

[Bigusdickus]

Balance of power is shifting in the world as the economic union in Europe breaks up and the States is more polarized in the world ,China has its own problems with Corona virus and a slowing economy,plus the migration of poeple out of the coastal areas back to rural areas.food and drinking water will be a crucial issue as we deal with locust plague and population growth throughout the world, so are we headed for the end????
Hope not, let's hope we find clean and sustainable solutions to our environment and sort out our differences between each other.

 

[SJRich1973]

For once I hope it is not the end of the world. I think it could be more of an end of an era or generation.

I grew up in the 80's too. I am being biased here to say that we witnessed 80's and parts of 90's to be the the greatest of all time. There were many facts to prove that: All time in prosperity, rich in culture, sports, music and arts. And of course the development and advancement of medicine, engineering and technology that made us to where we are today. It was also the time we became more accepting to one another as nations and people from around the world of different countries without hating one another. Unlike today we are able to identify more colours and genders you could imagine and yet we are greatly separated and divided. Everybody wanted to be treated special and feels being entitled to it. A single word can make you a racist. It is sad!

It is the era or generations of 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s will end and finally close out 1900s century.

The beginning of 2000s brings lot of confusions. The demographic age differences from 30 to 80 years cannot find a middle ground. This is the part I think will define the end of 1900s civilization and and beginning of new century. A new era and generation.

To my fellow 80s and much respect to 60s and 70s. If we manage to survive for another 30 to 50 years then brace yourself to witnessed the inevitable transformation.

But one thing we are certain and hobbyist can agree upon...Is that...Prostitution will continue as the oldest and greatest profession of all time

 

[Pay2Play]

Stay focused on what’s important...sex and lots of it.

 

[Steely]

The smartest scientists in the whole world all agree that the world will end in about 50 years due to global warming. I'm not worried, I'll be dead by then.

 

[three-eighths]

I grew up in the 80's too. I am being biased here to say that we witnessed 80's and parts of 90's to be the the greatest of all time. There were many facts to prove that: All time in prosperity, rich in culture, sports, music and arts. And of course the development and advancement of medicine, engineering and technology that made us to where we are today. It was also the time we became more accepting to one another as nations and people from around the world of different countries without hating one another.

Certainly not disagreeing with you but, having 10 years on you in age, I was old enough in the 80s to see what a shit-storm that decade was. As Mr. Idiot mentioned, there was the real threat that the US-USSR tensions would tear the world apart, Solidarnosc, Falklands War, the Velvet Divorce, and metal and new-wave bands with bad hair.
But, it did get people moving and thinking towards solutions.

 

[SJRich1973]

Certainly not disagreeing with you but, having 10 years on you in age, I was old enough in the 80s to see what a shit-storm that decade was. As Mr. Idiot mentioned, there was the real threat that the US-USSR tensions would tear the world apart, Solidarnosc, Falklands War, the Velvet Divorce, and metal and new-wave bands with bad hair.
But, it did get people moving and thinking towards solutions.

I agree 80s was not perfect but we learned and managed to co-exist with 60s and 70s with much respect! It is like what you said..."it did get people moving and thinking towards solutions"...

Today we see lots of divisiveness resulting to hatreds.

 

[UsefulIdiot]

I agree 80s was not perfect but we learned and managed to co-exist with 60s and 70s with much respect! It is like what you said..."it did get people moving and thinking towards solutions"...

Today we see lots of divisiveness resulting to hatreds.

Part of the divisiveness is the world is adapting to the online world of communication. Ultimately it is a good thing, but there are problems. When you communicate just via text people cannot see your face and pick up on the nuances of conversation (tone of voice, facial expression, gestures, etc.). And it is easier to say hurtful things when you post anonymously and without consequences. If it is online it stays there forever and for some reason people are held accountable for old opinions or stupid hot takes. There is a lot of judgment, especially from very flawed people, and no forgiveness or allowance for people's opinions to evolve. I think as Generation Z matures, so will online communication. Not to bash gen Z, they are much nicer than the people I grew up with.

 

[OG_funguy]

Back in the early 80's (I am dating myself), when the USSR and nuclear winter were real threats, for my own amusement I started asking people if they thought they would see the end of the world in their lifetimes. I was surprised by how many did. For all it's problems the world has improved quite a bit since that time, and this has reinforced my natural optimism. But this year is a year of crisis - the Carona virus is a serious threat, a long over-due recession/depression may be coming soon, identity politics is dividing people into warring camps, there is rising totalitarianism, serious economic inequality over most of the planet, climate change, rising ocean levels ... I personally think we are in for a tough time but we will get through it, and perhaps even prosper in a few years. How about you guys? Is 2020 just a year of crisis or is it the beginning of the end?

Yet, despite all these issues...here in the GTA, we can still get HE for $20. Life's good, man.

 

[xtc27]

me=decided 2b optimist bc:

• if serious shit to worry about... WTF! ... no time or $$$ 4 playing
• therefore, world=good & not gonna end soon
• ...and I can keep hobbying

....If worlds's gotta end soon.... have to try to stop it... interfere w/everything fun

------------------------------------

Like most, my belief = what is convenient to continue my life in most pleasurable fashion...

 

[OG_funguy]

With all the doom and gloom these days surrounding the virus, robberies, killings, etc., just go out for dinner and hotel session with your favorite MPA. All will be forgotten...

 

[therealcole]

I have no control over what happens globally. Therefore I only concern myself over things that I have an impact on. Life has a beginning, a middle and an end. Right now I am in the middle. I do not not know when the end will be so I do not worry about it.

 

[Ursus]

Wait one week and then start to invest heavily in the stock market.

Apple has pulled back 15% and when Coronavirus fizzles out, the stock market is going to take off. If you invest in the next little while, you can probably achieve a 30% return in the next 24 months.

 

[Ursus]

Yet, despite all these issues...here in the GTA, we can still get HE for $20. Life's good, man.

Where do you guys find HE for $20?

I thought that went away with inflation?

I used to get BJs for $20, but that was 6 years ago.

 

[OG_funguy]

Wait one week and then start to invest heavily in the stock market.

Apple has pulled back 15% and when Coronavirus fizzles out, the stock market is going to take off. If you invest in the next little while, you can probably achieve a 40% return in the next 24 months.

Agreed, I am seriously considering taking out a huge investment loan.

But hard (impossible) to call a bottom. Things can still get much worse with all the fear mongering.

You think us hobbyists are bad...well, the investor community is 10x worse!

 

[OG_funguy]

Where do you guys find HE for $20?

I thought that went away with inflation?

I used to get BJs for $20, but that was 6 years ago.

There's been several places mentioned here (mostly in Scarborough) where you can go for a quick $20 hj. I know of one place firsthand but never did it.

 

[therealcole]

Wait one week and then start to invest heavily in the stock market.

Apple has pulled back 15% and when Coronavirus fizzles out, the stock market is going to take off. If you invest in the next little while, you can probably achieve a 30% return in the next 24 months.

Thanks Mr. Buffett.