Would a World Without Money and Commercial Transactions Lead to Survival or Desolation?
Imagine a future scenario where the concept of money no longer exists, and everything is free. Would such a world ensure our survival, or would it lead to chaos, violence, and ultimately, desolation?
The Immediate Impact Without Money
The absence of money would have severe implications, as highlighted by the immensely detrimental consequences that would ensue. The first and most critical impact would be the availability of food. With no monetary incentives, farmers would have little motivation to grow crops beyond their personal needs or for those closest to them. The entire food supply chain, from planting and harvesting to transportation and marketing, would come to a standstill. Farmers might venture into fields to gather what’s available, but the majority would find it challenging to secure sufficient sustenance. What food is found would likely be consumed raw due to the lack of access to cooking facilities.
Moreover, without money, utilities such as gas, electricity, and water would cease to function. Pipes would run dry, and people would rely on manual collection methods from nearby sources. However, these sources would quickly become contaminated due to the malfunctioning sewage systems, leading to serious health concerns.
The Emergence of Violence and Disease
The absence of food and the collapsing infrastructure would inevitably lead to increased competition for available resources. Within a few weeks, as food stores become exhausted, people would begin to turn on each other. The scarcity of food would lead to violent altercations, and the death toll would rise sharply. Once malnutrition sets in, along with living in filth and consuming contaminated water, the spread of diseases would swiftly follow. The health care system, already overwhelmed, would fail to cope with the surge in morbidity, resulting in unprecedented death rates. Without medical supplies, the survival of the fittest would become the prevailing principle.
The Disintegration of Society
The collapse of governments and social structures would be a stark reality. The absence of law enforcement and the military's dwindling effectiveness in maintaining order would lead to the breakdown of societal norms. Humans would revert to forming small groups for protection and survival, ranging from lone individuals to clusters of a few dozen people. Modern cities, with their reliance on mechanized agriculture and extensive infrastructure, would be the most vulnerable. Western countries with big cities and mechanized farms would likely suffer the highest death rates, estimated at around 95%.
Survival in a New World Order
By the end of the first year, if any survivors remain, they would likely form small, isolated subsistence farming communities. Access to transportation and mobility would be severely limited, as fuel and vehicles would be scarce. What remains would be primarily human and animal labor, supplemented by bartering of goods and services among friendly groups. However, this would be localized and restricted due to limitations in the range of exchanges.
Resilience and Adaptation
Persistent adaptations and small-scale resilience would emerge in the face of adversity. In regions with a strong subsistence farming tradition, survival rates would be relatively higher. However, the absence of technology and associated resources would still lead to significant starvation and hardship. The recovery process would take a century or more, if ever. In such a scenario, blame and seeking accountability would become societal priorities.
In conclusion, while the idea of a world without money and commercial transactions might seem utopian, the reality would be far from it. The breakdown of essential systems, the rapid onset of violence and disease, and the slow disintegration of social structures would result in a survival scenario marked by immense human suffering.