Is believing in the apocalypse a cop out to feel we have no control of ourselves?

io9.com...

"DiTommaso has studied apocalyptic ideas — his next book is called The Architecture of Apocalypticism — and he says that the old-school Biblical apocalypse is similar to Marxist ideas that the Revolution is coming soon. These sorts of ideas stem from the belief that "the world is a terrible place and the end is coming soon." But believing that a huge global change will come, no matter what any of us does individually, is an example of having a "Daddy complex," says DiTommaso."

"Believing that there's some huge event coming that will change everything "is an example of having what psychologists call an 'external locus of control,'" says Halvorson, author of Succeed: How We Can Reach Our Goals. She explains:

In other words, you feel that things will happen to you, rather than that you will make them happen. It may be nice on some level to not feel responsible for your own future, but in general it leaves people disengaged, helpless and less likely to take action. Believing that you are in control of what happens to you (for the most part) makes you happier, healthier (literally - as in fewer illnesses and faster recoveries), and more effective."


Scroll down to the "The apocalypse is coming soon. Or a revolution is coming soon." section of the article. It quotes several people that links that type of thinking to deeper mental issues, with the consequence of a lower standard of living. I personally view having TEOTWAWKT scenarios around us as a way to focus on learning new skills that are useful even if things stay the same. It's probably increased my quality of life as the possible economic collapse has got me off my ass.

Originally posted by wiandiii
In other words, you feel that things will happen to you, rather than that you will make them happen. It may be nice on some level to not feel responsible for your own future, but in general it leaves people disengaged, helpless and less likely to take action. Believing that you are in control of what happens to you (for the most part) makes you happier, healthier (literally - as in fewer illnesses and faster recoveries), and more effective."

I'm going to read the article but before I let it sway me in any direction, I did want to comment on the bolded line above.

Couldn't that work both ways?
If you are happier or healthier, are you more likely to believe you're in control?
If you are not so happy or healthy, would you be more likely to not only believe in, but wish for an apocalyptic scenario?

Very interesting topic - Going to read it now ♥

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after reading .... ok your thoughts are way better than this article
it seems to contradict itself except to say don't think about the future at all....

The future will be the same = BAD
The future will be better = BAD
The future will be worse = BAD

based on the article... I don't know man, what should I be thinking?

So as I said, I like your ideas better - at least you make some sense.

Since I'm currently living the future I set on a path to live, I'm absolutely positive I had control every step of the way, and take full responsibility for it ♥

to NOT see we need change in this world is living with blinders.

We have been living ''the old way'' too long and things have to change radically.
People who do think they are in control of their lives dont feel the need for change, this is simple logic.
The majority of the people in the world are screaming for change while a good portion, mostly westerners, are quite happy with their lives and don`t think much about the rest of the world and wouldnt care less.
They just want their cheap goodies from China, made by people who are just modern day slaves in a worldy system where everyones ok with it.

A system where 1% of the population controls the power and the money is a recepy for disaster and should change to facilitate and benifit all humans.

The argument used is flawed and thought up by people who only see this system as the only way to go, thereby attacking people who want change by saying they are not in control of their own lives.
This government ruled system is our daddy now and its a very abusive one at that, and also, right now we are being a sugar daddy to our abusive daddy and we love it like that.
Let them analyze that for a change...

Originally posted by Senser
to NOT see we need change in this world is living with blinders.

We have been living ''the old way'' too long and things have to change radically.
People who do think they are in control of their lives dont feel the need for change, this is simple logic.

I hope I'm an exception to this generalization then, since I feel like I have totally brought myself to this place I'm currently living, but also feel a need for changes in the world. Even if I feel helpless to change the things that need changing....

The majority of the people in the world are screaming for change while a good portion, mostly westerners, are quite happy with their lives and don`t think much about the rest of the world and wouldnt care less.
They just want their cheap goodies from China, made by people who are just modern day slaves in a worldy system where everyones ok with it.

I believe most people want all those goodies because the kid with the most toys is supposed to win.
I want all those goodies so I have something to take my mind off the nightmares...

A system where 1% of the population controls the power and the money is a recepy for disaster and should change to facilitate and benifit all humans.

Doesn't it totally remind you of back in the day, as a kid, playing games at the video arcade just so you can show up on the high score list? Forbes keeps the list now, and why does one man need 74 billion dollars anyway? He's ONE MAN

The argument used is flawed and thought up by people who only see this system as the only way to go, thereby attacking people who want change by saying they are not in control of their own lives.

While I am in control of MY life, I'm not in control of others. Inevitably their actions will affect me I guess, but in the meantime, its my choice if I want to spend the day on ATS, or cleaning my house, right?

I totally agree with your point that the "system" is NOT the only way to go, and I hate when I'm looked down on because I didn't/don't follow the so-called "normal" pattern of how I'm supposed to be.

I don't think believing in conspiracies means I'm not in control or some kind of cop out - I think individualism should be celebrated. Why should I conform and be "conventional" if it makes me unhappy? I'm might die penniless but I don't care - money doesn't make me happy. It just makes it easier to eat.

This government ruled system is our daddy now and its a very abusive one at that, and also, right now we are being a sugar daddy to our abusive daddy and we love it like that.
Let them analyze that for a change...

I agree again. Reminds me of an old Manson song

Hey! and our mommies are lost now
Hey! Daddys someone else
Hey! and we love the abuse because it makes us feel like we are needed

reply to post by Forevever


Great manson track-Im still a sucker for a bit of hard energy punk after all these years.

With regards to belief in the apocalypse being a cop out-I believe their could be an apocalypse,but that me and my close ones will survive it.Not through any religious conviction but through a process of learning how to prepare for bad situations.

My knowledge has come in handy in 2 car crashes and a few work related accidents so far,and thats just the basic first aid area.

Thats not a cop out IMO,thats what should be taught in all schools.

My Dad always says that folks have always imagined the end of the world being just around the corner since we lived in caves and it never happens...But I say to him that yes that is true,but it is not until the last century that we actually devised the means to fulfill that prophesy with the invention of the hydrogen bomb,not to mention biological and chemical weapons.

Now,all that stuff was invented in the 1920s-1950s.
Imagine the shady secret NBC(and beyond) weapons they are developing today.
They don't stop development if a new treaty comes into force..no one ever has.

You attempt to recreate whatever you think the enemy may have.And then you make something just that bit nastier.
This is how it has always been.

So today we are IMO more at risk of an apocalyptic situation than ever before.People should hope for the best,but prepare for the worst.
Most events are survivable,if prepared for in advance IMO.

Originally posted by Silcone Synapse
With regards to belief in the apocalypse being a cop out-I believe their could be an apocalypse,but that me and my close ones will survive it.Not through any religious conviction but through a process of learning how to prepare for bad situations.

I think whether or not I survive will depend on the exact nature of the apocalypse.
Same with whether or not I WANT to survive it.

I have allowed the idea of apocalypse to affect my life in small ways, but I refuse to let it affect my emotions.

There's no way I'm going to live in fear of something I have no control over. When I see people worrying too much, I remind them that the speed of light is an amazing thing - our first warning of a gamma ray burst is being incinerated. Then I wish them good luck with their stress

reply to post by Forevever


Very true-some events may not be worth surviving as the planet would be so horrible afterwards.
And like you say no point living in fear of things we have no control over.
But for other events,like temporary food shortages or an oil crisis it is possible to prepare for effectively.
And being prepared can then help to dissipate fear of such an event.