A review of John Michael Greer’s essay-collection book, Collapse Now and Avoid the Rush, provides a good summary of what is wrong about the post-apocalyptic industrial complex. The basic theme is that industrial civilization, based on short-term consumerism, is doomed and the turning point has already passed. There is little that can be done, and people are unwilling or incapable of taking action that would avoid or minimize the problem.

That Greer self-identifies as a driud is telling, given that little is known about the real druids. They left no writings and the Romans and Greeks, who wrote about them, were hardly unbiased observers. Presumably, the Ancient Order of Druids in America, of which he was Grand Archdruid, relies on mythology and his work betrays that approach. It certainly suggests a bias on his part towards an anti-modern lifestyle, which he appears to not only embrace but allow to influence his thinking. 

Admittedly, Greer is probably right in thinking that “humans are not as smart as we think we are,” but this should suggest he be a little more self-critical, especially about our “nonsensical rationalizations.” 

Peak Oil Again

As someone who had been heavily engaged in the Peak Oil debate, I would say his embrace of some of the invalid theories posited by advocates of that argument demonstrates this shortcoming clearly.