Survival of the Richest.

4859 · Jul 6, 2018

KillLaCam said:
Yeah I wouldn't be surprised if some people do think like this. But I can't really believe that a meeting like this happened and they just let him write about it.

They have no legal leverage to stop him.

What would this nda even legally be about?

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.fo...ey-elements-of-non-disclosure-agreements/amp/

These aren't confidential business dealings, they paid him money to be a consultant, not to keep his mouth shut about a situation or thing they did.

What valuable business information do they legally have the right to protect with an nda?

They got nothing.

Rushkov on the other hand, COULD consider the information advice and consultations he provided priviledged and confidential information.

It is after all, how he makes his living, what goes in his books, and the very reason he's asked to do these consultations, he's the subject matter expert, on what they want to know.

Dingens · Jul 6, 2018

so... do you have to be a psychopath to become rich? or does becoming rich turn you into a psychopath?

zer0das said:
It seems rather strange preparing for a world where the quality of life is so poor that most of these people would probably be shooting themselves within a year because they're not used to eating canned beans and pork. Ditto for taking a trip to Mars.

given that they are the ones who are turning the world to shit... it is quite strange indeed

Zen · Jul 6, 2018

Not sure what the 1% believe they can get away with indefinitely when they hoard the majority of the world's wealth. That's gonna come back to bite them. Nobody can outright own a military either. I suppose this is why we see so much sympathy for dictators among them and the Randian type delusions.

LittleHavana33 · Jul 6, 2018

Zen said:
Not sure what the 1% believe they can get away with indefinitely when they hoard the majority of the world's wealth. That's gonna come back to bite them. Nobody can outright own a military either. I suppose this is why we see so much sympathy for dictators among them and the Randian type delusions.

Never say never

Muppet of a Man · Jul 6, 2018

Azraes said:
Basically they're trying to avoid what happened during the slave rebellion in Egypt. It's actually one of the biggest concerns of some of the rich. Not all but some. Not technological collapse but the fact that socioeconomic disparity will get so bad that when things totally become worthless they need to safeguard themselves and not experience what the Egyptian nobles did during the time. As history exists in cycles these people believe it won't be too long before this happens. Of course some people want to prevent this from happening but some are more on the self-preservation side of things. Either way when it does happen it isn't going to be pretty until then we will live in this hypernormalised world.

Or they can just act in their self interest now and promote social democracy.

But no, they are fucking evil cunts who will do no such thing.

He even says as much towards the end of the essay. It's not about preparing for "the event". It's about making it never happen in the first place by being good empathetic people who realize that accumulating billions at the expense of the middle and working classes was the worst mistake ever made.

loquaciousJenny · Jul 6, 2018

Imagine having so much money you can buy an apocalypse bunker, fill it with food and I assume gas for generators, invest in ways to enslave people to defend you and you're still rich after all money you just threw at a problem that you're convinced will happen because you've personally contributed to fucking the world beyond repair

Deleted member 9486 · Jul 6, 2018

AYF 001 said:
So, basically the plot of Elysium?

So that's why Trump wants a Space Force.

Lwyn · Jul 6, 2018

loquaciousJenny said:
Imagine having so much money you can buy an apocalypse bunker, fill it with food and I assume gas for generators, invest in ways to enslave people to defend you and you're still rich after all money you just threw at a problem that you're convinced will happen because you've personally contributed to fucking the world beyond repair

I assume the person will tell you to stop being poor and that it's easy to do so.

zoukka · Jul 6, 2018

loquaciousJenny said:
Imagine having so much money you can buy an apocalypse bunker, fill it with food and I assume gas for generators, invest in ways to enslave people to defend you and you're still rich after all money you just threw at a problem that you're convinced will happen because you've personally contributed to fucking the world beyond repair

Now find us a precedent for this happening somewhere. Like why would anyone accept your money if the whole world has gone to shit?

Azraes · Jul 6, 2018

Muppet of a Man said:
Or they can just act in their self interest now and promote social democracy.

But no, they are fucking evil cunts who will do no such thing.

He even says as much towards the end of the essay. It's not about preparing for "the event". It's about making it never happen in the first place by being good empathetic people who realize that accumulating billions at the expense of the middle and working classes was the worst mistake ever made.

When do people who have plenty think of anyone but themselves. Some do but most don't. It's mostly about accumulating to some ridiculous degree. If we want to take videogame sort of analogies it's like the kind of people who hoard items even if they don't need it and never really use them. Since that behaviour is quite common it's definitely more common for people than not. But you're right that they lack the empathy to be good people and to share the wealth. If they had that attitude it wouldn't be this way but the attitude that is prevalent will ultimately lead to their downfall too. I mean it always happens eventually.

alzabo · Jul 6, 2018

apocat said:
I think we've fattened them up just about right. Heat up the stoves, let's eat the rich.

Applewood smoked?

Rayne · Jul 8, 2018

zoukka said:
Now find us a precedent for this happening somewhere. Like why would anyone accept your money if the whole world has gone to shit?

Especially since after a while your supplies will become more valuable than your money. Easy to get a group murder your ass and take your shit.

I'm not sure how they expect this to work.

And if they do decide to band together rather than relying on lower classes they'll tear each other apart. So it's a lose/lose.

Anteo said:
Im gonna be honest, if there is an "event" i have no idea how to do any manual labor. im as hopless as those ultra rich guys except i dont have a bunker to retreat to

Well yeah but we can easily join a community of people and contribute even if it's not manual labor (that said we'd probably have to learn). You'll be more valuable as a community member than for someone to kill you and take your shit.

sapien85 · Jul 8, 2018

Brass Body Dave said:
This is also what I believe, as well. We as humans may have a knack for making things worse from time to time, but more often than not we make things far better for humanity as a whole.

I'm guessing you base this only on very recent history? Because that's not how most of history had gone.

Unknown Unknown · Jul 8, 2018

Instead of letting go of their ambitions of wealth and control and working with others towards balancing the world and correcting the damage done they've given into despair from the realization that the world and others cannot be exploited without consequence. These types will cling to illusions of wealth and with plans to survive as long as possible in caves hidden from the sun and die a horrible lingering death in the tombs they've constructed for themselves.

Nivash · Jul 8, 2018

It should be kept in mind that this is a subset of rich people, not all rich people. Rich people are a diverse group, as much - or more - than any other social class. As should be expected for a group that's basically able to do whatever they want to do. You got your Obama or Gates types: philantropists who like to engage with the world and are involved in tons of charitable projects. You got your Cardashians and Hiltons: self-obessed people who wouldn't give an apocalypse bunker a second thought because they're too busy managing their instagram followings. You got the old rich, who'd probably scoff at this because they're used to things always going their way, anyway, and they're too busy fighting for social standings to really care.

And many more. Notch-type recluses. People who stumbled into wealth and are busy burning it on fast cars, hookers and champagne. Investment-obsesseed oddballs with eyes on nothing but their networth. And sure, nihilistic survivalists too. Just like there are nihilistic survivalists in other parts of society. Just because there are doesn't mean they represent all rich people, or that they have any kind of special insight.

Jimrpg · Jul 8, 2018

All the rich i know just spend their way out of problems. Health is the most obvious one. Being able to pay for private health care for example.

Seems natural to spend your way out of disaster.

Chamaeleonx · Jul 8, 2018

Kai Dracon said:
The sociopaths among humanity that seek power and wealth have always been like this. But I do think that the 20th century's brand of no-holds-barred capitalism has refined such a mentality into a full blown mental illness.

The world of the rich is now based not just on greed and lack of caring for humanity, but on a completely delusional narrative about how the world works and the nature of people.

I once listened to a psychologist who for a while worked as a therapist to the ultra rich. He said this was a pretty common narrative that rich people would come to him with:

- Look, I know that by right of birth I was chosen to have all this wealth and power, because that's how it works right? Some people are made to be the rulers and most are just trash who we don't need.

- It's weird though, I keep getting this nagging feeling that I shouldn't have this much power and be a living god. It's really aggravating, I can't enjoy my reign.

- So please tell me, what am I missing? Why do I occasionally think poor people are thinking creatures with emotions? I deserve to be happy damn it, I AM A CHOSEN ONE!

Sounds like these people are mentally ill and the therapist should change their minds in a subtle way. He should be able to as he is trained to do that.

I doubt it will go as smoothly as the rich imagine. There are massive amounts of people on this planet and eventually they will win out purely because of this. Its like 1000 against billions (whatever the numbers are).

Chamaeleonx · Jul 8, 2018

saenima said:
By sustainability i mean food and energy. These are problems that can be mostly resolved by technology. Not yet, not fully. But we'll get there. When things really start going to shit in the next few decades, do you believe these people will try to solve anything regarding the general populace? Nah, they'll retreat into safety and let the masses sort themselves out.

Never in the history of humanity were we at a technology level that would permit this kind of 'solution'. Those on top always had to rely on the masses for production of essential goods and generation of wealth. We're fast approaching a reality where those concerns won't matter.

You believe that the rich will eat simple food made by robots? I doubt a robot can make a 5 star gourmet meal that actually looks pleasing.

Beartruck · Jul 8, 2018

I love that they go-

"How do we stop our heavily armed guards from turning on us?
"...be nice to them?"
"Let's not go crazy here. Now were thinking: shock collars?"
"How are you going to convince them to wear them? Just make them like you so they'll want to defend you."
"Sir, we're here to discuss reality, not your insane fantasies!"

Gwenpoolshark · Jul 8, 2018

Soon eat the rich will become a literal aspiration.

Chamaeleonx · Jul 8, 2018

Nivash said:
It should be kept in mind that this is a subset of rich people, not all rich people. Rich people are a diverse group, as much - or more - than any other social class. As should be expected for a group that's basically able to do whatever they want to do. You got your Obama or Gates types: philantropists who like to engage with the world and are involved in tons of charitable projects. You got your Cardashians and Hiltons: self-obessed people who wouldn't give an apocalypse bunker a second thought because they're too busy managing their instagram followings. You got the old rich, who'd probably scoff at this because they're used to things always going their way, anyway, and they're too busy fighting for social standings to really care.

And many more. Notch-type recluses. People who stumbled into wealth and are busy burning it on fast cars, hookers and champagne. Investment-obsesseed oddballs with eyes on nothing but their networth. And sure, nihilistic survivalists too. Just like there are nihilistic survivalists in other parts of society. Just because there are doesn't mean they represent all rich people, or that they have any kind of special insight.

Personally I still think these types don't do enough. Nobody needs billions and mansions with hundred of rooms. People like to dismiss Gates and Obama type rich people to easily in my opinion.

loquaciousJenny said:
Imagine having so much money you can buy an apocalypse bunker, fill it with food and I assume gas for generators, invest in ways to enslave people to defend you and you're still rich after all money you just threw at a problem that you're convinced will happen because you've personally contributed to fucking the world beyond repair

Sounds like a bad design for such a bunker to be honest. You would need to plan a small village for yourself, everything automated to some degree to actually have a save bunker. Like, Solar tech, robots to cultivate crops to some degree, some animals, etc. etc. . You would need to buy some serious amount of land in the optimal spot to be able to create something self sustained.

Deleted member 9241 · Jul 8, 2018

I think the idea behind prepping and the details of it are kind of fascinating. If I was stupid rich, I would probably do it too just because it would be fun to do with no financial restrictions.

Check out missile silo homes sometime. The amount of work and dedication going into this stuff is amazing. Mentally planning a bunker complex for every eventuality can be pretty entertaining IMO.

Nivash · Jul 8, 2018

Chamaeleonx said:
Personally I still think these types don't do enough. Nobody needs billions and mansions with hundred of rooms. People like to dismiss Gates and Obama type rich people to easily in my opinion

I don't disagree. They could do a lot more with what they have. But there's huge differences between people like them and the people in the OP who have already given up on humanity and want to insulate themselves.

SillyEskimo said:
I think the idea behind prepping and the details of it are kind of fascinating. If I was stupid rich, I would probably do it too just because it would be fun to do with no financial restrictions.

Check out missile silo homes sometime. The amount of work and dedication going into this stuff is amazing. Mentally planning a bunker complex for every eventuality can be pretty entertaining IMO.

This too. A lot of these people probably don't even think the world is really going to end. But everyone needs a hobby and, with virtually unlimited resources, this is as good as any. Why not live your Bond villain fantasies if you can?

Pwnz · Jul 8, 2018

I stopped reading the article a third the way through. These types of rich people are idiots. There is no solution to guarantee safety in a post apocalyptic world with a bunker and a guard, LOL. They do have the financial ability to change things. If half of them were like Bill Gates, think of the possibilities.

Heshinsi · Jul 8, 2018

Azraes said:
Basically they're trying to avoid what happened during the slave rebellion in Egypt. It's actually one of the biggest concerns of some of the rich. Not all but some. Not technological collapse but the fact that socioeconomic disparity will get so bad that when things totally become worthless they need to safeguard themselves and not experience what the Egyptian nobles did during the time. As history exists in cycles these people believe it won't be too long before this happens. Of course some people want to prevent this from happening but some are more on the self-preservation side of things. Either way when it does happen it isn't going to be pretty until then we will live in this hypernormalised world.

You don't even need to go that far back. I mean the French Revolution was a little over 200 years ago.

Unknown Unknown · Jul 8, 2018

These exploitative types won't suddenly change their behaviors and become community minded participants working to sustain a tiny survival environment as evidenced that they cannot bring themselves to do such and sustain a flourishing healthy world.
If shock collars and locking away food stores are seen as means of their survival they've already lost.

Pomerlaw · Jul 8, 2018

Nivash said:
I don't disagree. They could do a lot more with what they have. But there's huge differences between people like them and the people in the OP who have already given up on humanity and want to insulate themselves.

I would add Musk to this category too, despite his flaws. At least he believes in science. Those billionnaires in the OP only believe in the power of their own money.

Brass Body Dave · Jul 8, 2018

sapien85 said:
I'm guessing you base this only on very recent history? Because that's not how most of history had gone.

lmao

Yes, obviously - not talking about primitives

Bedlam · Jul 8, 2018

Yeah well, all those approaches would only buy them a couple of years in a bubble / golden cage.

Too bad many of those tech and investment billionaires or short-sighted idiots as well.

If only we had more Bill Gates, Warren Buffets and less Peter Thiels, Kochs, Murdochs etc.

Chamaeleonx · Jul 9, 2018

Nivash said:
I don't disagree. They could do a lot more with what they have. But there's huge differences between people like them and the people in the OP who have already given up on humanity and want to insulate themselves.

Obviously there is a big difference between these two. I still think all these rich people could do more. You simply don't need that much money to live a very good life.

Bedlam said:
Yeah well, all those approaches would only buy them a couple of years in a bubble / golden cage.

Too bad many of those tech and investment billionaires or short-sighted idiots as well.

If only we had more Bill Gates, Warren Buffets and less Peter Thiels, Kochs, Murdochs etc.

For sure, even though I still don't get the worship Gates and others get for things that should be logical. The amount of money they have reached will last them multiple generations if not even more. There is only so much you can spend money on in this world. Eventually you will just look like an idiot for buying certain things.

Survival of the Richest.

4859

Dingens

Circumventing ban with an alt account

Zen

The Wise Ones

LittleHavana33

Muppet of a Man

loquaciousJenny

Deleted member 9486

User requested account closure

Lwyn

Banned for use of an alt-account

zoukka

Game Developer

Azraes

alzabo

Rayne

sapien85

Unknown Unknown

Nivash

Jimrpg

Chamaeleonx

Chamaeleonx

Beartruck

Gwenpoolshark

Chamaeleonx

Deleted member 9241

Nivash

Pwnz

Heshinsi

Unknown Unknown

Pomerlaw

Erarboreal

Brass Body Dave

Bedlam

Chamaeleonx