The Ouroboros of Chaos and Order
Introduction
Civilizations last for a hundred and fifty years to about five hundred. With the average being three hundred and there, of course, being outliers. Yet why do these civilizations collapse, not specifically but conceptually? Why do they need to collapse at all? It is possible to create a civilization such that it continuation lasts for in perpetuity?
Civilization Ideals get Subverted or Perverted
The ideals and guiding principles are the original foundation of any society. They are the thing that institutions are founded upon. They guide actions, thoughts and responses. Thus the ideal creates opportunities but also limits on the civilization. For the ideal is imparted into every facet of society. Which is what Alexis De Tocqueville noted in his seminal work Democracy in America.
Thus the choice of such ideals should be handled with care. Liberty, Leisure, Order, Pragmatism, etc. The ideal should be examined to it’s most extremes before selection such that the inevitable subversion or perversion of ideals is already mitigated.
A Loss of Vision
A loss of vision is often what causes collapse. As direction also creates inertia, specifically with institutions. Which often leads to entrenchment. Yet what got us here isn’t always what will continue to work in the future. Yet the tropes of “if it ain’t broke” are often what lead to ruin. For the inability to capitalize on new trends creates a fragility that once a big enough shock hits everything falls apart.
The inertia of institutions often runs counter to what inevitably becomes necessary for survival. The uprooting of habits, rituals, institutions and systems. Akin to hacking off your own arm, only the most desperate or determined will succeed in the end. Thus poses the question “will civilizations due to either of these factors; be willing to throw themselves into chaos voluntarily and be strong enough to survive.
Ages vs Civilizations
Previously Ages extended well beyond the length of any civilization. Now Civilizations often span several ages. The consequences of this are not immediately apparent yet have profound effects. Civilizations previously had to deal with far fewer shifts meaning the institutions could be created and stand for much longer. Now with the acceleration of Ages; Civilizations will likely have a shorter lifespan unless they can continually adapt to the constant changes. Thus this makes the ideal far more important. Yet in contrast, the constant reinvention of society leads us to the problem of the Ship of Theseus. Where if everything is eventually replaced can we still call it the same thing?
The New Paradigm
So where does this leave us now? In the West, we see crumbling institutions, government, culture and the like. While in the East we see a growing strength on the surface, but underneath there is also chaos. We are entering a new age, a new paradigm. One that it is unclear in regards to who or what will survive.
Technology is an inherently destabilizing force. Casting aside the old ways for a reinvention or rebirth of the unknown. It is inherently chaotic. Ironic that those who worship technology are worshipping perhaps unknowingly, an inherently chaotic force.
Thus Society which stands as Order amongst this Chaos seems to be losing. While some movements have begun to rally around restoring order I fear they are too late. For the current bastions of Order are long past their stability. Nay like the burning fires that laid the once great Alexandria to ash; we must gather what is useful and what is necessary. While we may not get it all, it will be rediscovered with time.
Coda
The ideals of new society must be chosen carefully, as it is the bulwark to chaos. Yet the entrenchment of these very defences to chaos leads to the fragility allowing chaos to subsume society itself. This is the issue facing society today. Facing the unknown, what thing can be used, created to bind groups together yet can withstand the ever-changing nature of reality?