Greer writes with a mild humor, and a strong sense of opportunity lost. He brings together in this book a broad ranging knowledge of history, philosophy and human behavior. The book acts both as a prediction of what the future might bring, and a rough outline of how we can act now to make the future a little better. The future Greer predicts is not a 'next year' or 'next decade' view however. The actions he recommends are for preserving a world for our children's children's children, and on to the next civilization that might take the place of our own.

One foible I felt in Greer's writing was a constant sniping about the chance that was lost during the Reagan era energy glut. Greer explains how this period of excess, experienced around the world but especially in the US, has now eliminated many options we may have had for building a strong future. I felt this story became tiresome, continually appearing in abbreviated form through most parts of the book, usually in the tone of regret, scorn, or anger.

The long view of this book is well considered, and carefully constructed. The advice is gently given, and backed by examples from historical declines of earlier civilizations. Greer is a fan of 'dissensus', so this book does not give a strong prescription, just guidance on one of many ways we can help the future children of our world. ( )

Greer makes a convincing argument for giving up on finding "alternative energy" sources. There's nothing even remotely on the horizon that can replace hyrdrocarbon fuels as a cheap energy source. The world we take for granted is really a fluke: we have had a three-hundred year binge, and it's a one-time deal. When it's gone, the party's over. The party will be winding down over the next hundred years or so, and as it does, the population of the planet is going to plummet. Some time in the distant future, our grandchildren's grandchildren will live in a sustainable, Ecotechnic world. Pretty sobering stuff. Very clearly written, with no ranting, no agenda. It's just: here it is, folks. This is what is coming. It's not going to be pretty. ( )