[legion]

I always think back to Ancient Rome and then the Dark Ages. Rome was able to sustain itself through centuries of corruption and apathy. Then the empire started shrinking. Then the capital was overrun. Then the capital was moved. Then the empire was split, and parts continued on in exile for another few centuries.

Every society eventually collapses. Ours will as well. What amazes me is how long things can persist despite systemic weakness. Asset bubbles are an example that happen over years instead of centuries. All it takes is someone willing to go against the grain and prove the weaknesses are there and then the collapse is sudden and catastrophic.