While I agree with your central statement, the world is not ending, I have to say I’m not really buying your arguments that collapse won’t happen.

Indeed, the world is not ending, it is changing. For some, a local collapse can and will feel like the world is ending. For some, it will be the end of their world. But, I do agree that there is nothing new there.

Is psychological projection contributing to hysteria? Absolutely. Will we likely see self-fulfilling prophecies? Most likely. Hysteria and depression can be the gateways to great change, but folks have to find their strength, creativity, and solutions within that dark place in the mind.

To conclude this overly long comment, let me reiterate. I actually agree with you on pretty much all of your conclusions, but I do find your arguments weak and way too cozied up to the corporate “live to work” mentality, as if working to produce for the economy is my only measure of value, AND to state controlled media with your comment on China’s media being positive about China. Of course it’s positive when they silence all dissent. I can’t call that a good thing, we need dissenting voices and we need to listen.

The world is changing and for far too many, this will be the end. Gas lighting those fears, which you come close to doing with these arguments, will only solidify that fear and will make it harder for those wallowing in that fear. Something is to be feared or at least given special attention. Telling the fearful that their fears aren’t real or invalid only serves to make them question themselves and their grip on reality. No one can find the solution within when they’re being told they can’t trust their own emotions.