Reply #3: Quigley's Seven Stages of Civilization:

[mzteris]

I'd say we're transitioning "nicely" between somewhere between stages 4, 5 and 6... (It's not an abrupt one - then the other - more like tendrils/fingers/waves with increasing momentum moving you forward.)


Stage 4: CONFLICT: Expansion declines and class tensions increase, borders expand, and there are wars. Atmosphere of pessimism prevails.


Stage 5: UNIVERSAL EMPIRE: Civilizations develop a single gov't powerful enough to appear peaceful and prosperous, but the few in power squander wealth while the majority struggle to make a living.


Stage 6: DECAY: Wealth is used up and economic depression sets in. Living standards and literacy decline, conflicts within the society multiply.


Oh yeah - just so you know -


STAGE 7: INVASION: Too weak to defend itself; invaders/outsiders take over. (Though I think that for the US - this means less of a "physical warlike invasion" and more of an economic takeover.)