The existential threats, then and Now

I thought that I would start this Blog page with something thought provoking about some of the big picture existential challenges we face in the world. Many of the challenges we face today have deep historical roots, even though they may look different on the surface. Here are some key issues that persist from ancient times to the present:
1. Survival and Resource Scarcity

• Ancient Times: Struggles for food, water, and shelter were central to life, with people depending on agriculture, hunting, and gathering.
• Today: While technology has improved food production, issues like climate change, economic inequality, and access to clean water still threaten survival in many parts of the world.

2. Social Inequality and Class Divides

• Ancient Times: Hierarchies were rigid, with kings, emperors, or ruling classes controlling land and wealth while lower classes struggled.
• Today: Economic disparities persist, with wealth gaps widening between the rich and poor, leading to issues of accessibility, opportunity, and systemic injustice.

3. War and Conflict

• Ancient Times: Wars over territory, resources, and power were constant, with empires rising and falling.
• Today: While we have global institutions aiming for peace, conflicts still arise over resources, ideology, and power, with modern warfare becoming more complex (e.g., cyber warfare, terrorism).

4. Political Corruption and Power Struggles

• Ancient Times: Leaders often sought power through manipulation, bribery, and betrayal, from Roman senators to feudal lords.
• Today: Political scandals, corruption, and power struggles still shape governance, affecting policies and the well-being of societies.

5. Disease and Public Health

• Ancient Times: Plagues and infections, like the Black Death or smallpox, devastated populations.
• Today: While medicine has advanced, pandemics (e.g., COVID-19) and mental health crises continue to challenge humanity.

6. Work and Labour Exploitation

• Ancient Times: Slavery, serfdom, and forced labour were common in many civilizations.
• Today: Exploitation still exists in forms like sweatshops, unfair wages, and modern slavery (human trafficking, forced labour).

7. Identity, Belonging and Purpose

• Ancient Times: People struggled with understanding their roles within tribes, families, and societies.
• Today: With globalisation and social media, identity crises are amplified, leading to existential questions and mental health struggles.

8. Environmental Challenges

• Ancient Times: Deforestation, soil depletion, and water shortages caused the downfall of civilizations like the Mayans.
• Today: Climate change, pollution, and resource depletion threaten global stability.

9. Addiction and Escapism

• Ancient Times: People used alcohol, opium, or religious rituals to cope with stress and pain.
• Today: Modern addiction includes substances, technology (social media, gaming), and consumerism.

10. Interpersonal Relationships and Love

• Ancient Times: Love, marriage, betrayal, jealousy, and family struggles were well-documented in ancient texts.
• Today: Relationships remain complex, with new dynamics influenced by technology, shifting gender roles and identities, and evolving societal norms.

So despite advancements, it seems to me that human nature remains largely the same, and we continue to navigate many of the same fundamental issues—just in different forms. What’s your take on this?