Only Two Types of People Will Survive Economic Collapse

Living in a world engulfed by economic crisis teetering on collapse requires preparation for worst-case scenarios. Whether it is losing a job to downsizing, a currency crisis, or full-blown economic system failure, being prepared is just plain smart.

Already, nearly 30% of Americans are either unemployed or under-employed, and desperation is surely setting in for the millions whose unemployment benefits have expired with little hope on the job front.

Many have been able to weather short-term storms by prepping for a rainy day with extra food storage and other supplies, and by having some savings. Indeed, everyone should be preparing in this manner, and then some, given the bleak economic climate. However, if an economic meltdown becomes prolonged, there will only be two types of people that will survive: Takers and Producers.

If the majority of the population reaches a level of desperation, and civil unrest erupts as predicted by many experts including the federal government, you can bet that your stockpile of emergency rations will make you an attractive target for the hungry Takers.

During civil unrest it’s unlikely the authorities will have the capacity or the will to enforce petty theft crimes. Some police departments around the country already have stated that they are not responding to a majority of calls about petty theft or vandalism. Some have even turned over duties to private security.

Prepping for disaster is only a temporary store of wealth; one that can be taken from you. There will likely be some Takers organized into armed gangs that will be difficult or next to impossible to defend against. And even good, well-meaning people may become Takers if they get desperate enough to feed themselves and their families. Even if you are lucky enough to fend off the Takers and maintain your stash, what happens when it runs out?

The following video is an extremely unsettling look at a potential future for the ultimate Taker scenario following societal collapse. This potential future, however, is well-grounded in the reality of the past in such countries as Argentina.

Real wealth in times of uncertainty, as well as in times of abundance, is the ability to produce something of value. Producing your own food has tremendous value, but even chickens, crops, or tools can be taken from you if you’re not careful. However, skills and knowledge can never be taken from you. Nightgear Military Kit

Producers in any realm of human necessity will be the most equipped to survive economic downturns or all-out collapse. Everyone who is unemployed or working a job where they essentially shuffle papers all day had better start learning skills that apply to the real world.

Recognizing that it’s unlikely that the world will ever devolve into a Mad Max-like post-apocalyptic state (barring a thermonuclear war or catastrophic earth event), many skills will remain useful in a dogged economy. Besides the obvious important skills of farming, construction, sewing, mechanics, etc., computer technicians, medical professionals, organizers and communicators, writers, artists and musicians, cooks and food preparation, along with many other skills will always be in demand in society.

Since most of us don’t plan to become Takers should we be touched by the economic crisis, it’s vital that we learn the universal skills which will ensure our productivity under any economic circumstance. And for those who already possess a range of skills, it would be a good time to further hone what you have into a side business, as well as to educate your family, friends, and neighbors.

The larger we can expand our range of protection against worst-case scenarios — and the Takers that accompany them — the better off we will be as individuals within a community centered around the values of production and self-reliance.

Further Essential Reading:
Top 10 Survival Downloads You Should Have
Top Survival Articles From 2011 to Help Prepare For 2012