No matter how enlightened we are or aren’t, we must have food, water, and shelter. Because civilization is so demanding of our time and so giving of its cheap rewards, the people of this culture will almost certainly need to be forced by changing circumstances, rather than any voluntary impulse, to adopt sustainable ways of living or even to realize the potential for bettering their lives. If industrial agriculture were gradually disabled, for example, local permaculture would suddenly become not only relevant – but critical for survival.

Swiftly confronted would be things like obesity, alcoholism, and drug addiction. Another reward will be life returning. More birds every spring; more fish in the rivers, lakes, and oceans; happier children; less stress, crime, and misery. More freedom – more joy.

Michael Carter, Kingfisher’s Song: Memories Against Civilization