Part 11/15:
Looking ahead, there's a mixture of cautious optimism and stark realism. The prediction that civilization’s technological prowess might persist or even improve in the next century is counterbalanced by the recognition of risks like nuclear war and societal collapse.
Historically, civilizations—including the Romans or Egyptians—are said to follow a lifecycle: rapid growth, eventual decline, and collapse. The question remains whether the current technological and social trajectory will lead to a sustained peak or a downfall.
Some speculate that, absent catastrophic events, humanity might continue to evolve and improve, but the overarching concern is whether humanity can effectively recognize its current vulnerabilities—and whether it will act in time to prevent collapse.