Ethical and Moral Issues

1. Talking up Apocalypse

Let's you and I have a little talk. I want to ask you a question.

Me: Am I wrong to be talking up the prospects for Apocalypse?

You: It seems like you want it to happen. You might help make it happen, too.

Me: Let me ask you this: does the weatherman who predicts a storm want it to happen, or cause it to happen, or make it one bit worse?

You: The storm is Mother Nature's doing; but the Apocalypse, if it happens, will be mostly our doing. If enough people get worked up about it, it might just occur.

Me: No, even if every single one of us hushes up about it (which is nearly the situation already), it's probably too late to stop it from happening. And talking about it will not only help us survive it but also comprehend it.

You: But what if it's not actually in the cards, and you go on ranting about it?

Me: Well then, I will certainly have been wrong. I will have cried wolf when there was no wolf at the door, but only a harmless, well-meaning piggy.

You: Piggy?

Me: Yeah, you know, "business as usual."

You: Oh yeah, right, business as usual.

Me: But what if the wolf card does come up, and I haven't said a word?