Introduction In this chapter, we will explore why humans are driven to such strong material growth and how we could transition to a less resource-intensive form of growth in light of future physical resource constraints. Given that humans…
(5) The Yin and Yang of Growth
In front of them lie the bright foundations of a New World. Those who have managed to traverse the Valley of Shadows in advance have become transformed by the process. They are now able to add their unique individual building…
(4) What Does the Future Hold?
Introduction “It was halfway famine, it was halfway feast” [1]. This is the translation of the original Maya prophecy for Katun 2 Ahau (2012-2032). In the next chapters, we will match this prophecy with real trends and we will make…
(3) Paradigm Shifts in the Age of Polarity
Mild Paradigm Shifts An example of a mild paradigm shift happened for many people during and after the unexpected global financial crisis of 2008. That crisis had been forecasted by lone voices for quite some time before it happened. Those…
(2) The Valley of Shadows in the Landscape of Light
After Dark So-called “dark ages” are not only dark; they are also light. Although we tend to view dark ages with some trepidation or, perhaps, even with fear, they serve an important role. It is during dark times that we…
(1) Apocalypse Now?
Introduction The first five years of the new Great Cycle, the Mayan Fifth World, turned out much less apocalyptic than initially forecasted, considering the dire predictions for 2012 and notwithstanding considerable upheaval between 2012 and 2017. In the years leading…