I am just wondering if there is something apocalyptic in human nature. To me, the rather regular talk of the coming economic collapse is not far different than the constant reminders from our religious friends that we are in the final hours.

It is not that I do not agree that the economy has been horribly mismanaged. And who knows, perhaps the collapse is on it's way. But having hears such predictions so often, I am a little skeptical in nature.

Historically speaking, the super nova type ending of empires is relatively rare. More common by far is the gradual wasting away.

"It's not a lie if you believe it." -- George Costanza
The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves. --Bertrand Russel