The Solar Flare and the times that follow.

Originally posted by GCG

Without forcing this perspective on anyone, would it be possible that this Solar flare wipe out ALL technology, and as Tyler put's it, 'erasing all the debt, bringing us all back down to zero' ?

What life would ensue?

I think a worldwide shutdown would certainly bring chaos but after a few years we would be right back to where we are now. Im sure there would be a lot of collateral damage but as martial law would be initiated, presumably, in every country it would just be a matter of time until we repair the problem. Peoples morals and values would change but as soon as the light switch is turned back on and the neon advertisement signs are seen, we will all go back to standing in line for another iphone.

Originally posted by GCG
Without forcing this perspective on anyone, would it be possible that this Solar flare wipe out ALL technology, and as Tyler put's it, 'erasing all the debt, bringing us all back down to zero' ?

All technology? Not unless it physically destroyed the planet. We'd still have sticks and stuff no matter what.

Originally posted by GCG
What life would ensue?

A life where you have to regularly watch children die of horrible illnesses that we were once able to treat. A life where you try to forget that whole cities full of people died. A life where the idea of travel becomes anathema to your existence. A life where populations are insular and the exchange of art, knowledge, and understanding is rare because you'll never truly meet stranger. A life where the poor and the weak can never stand up for themselves without the aid of the rich and the strong.

But yeah, no credit cards. Awesome.

You know, much as that 1859 flare was a big deal, I've never been able to find the primary source material relating to the effect on telegraphy- and one problem here is that the telegraphy network at that point in time was very small. I don't think it was embedded enough to make a claim for this having had a worldwide effect; fifty years later, then maybe.

The fact is, we don't know much- very little about regularity or what effect it would really have on the world. Obviously there are sensible precautions to be taken but it's very easy to be alarmist.

I very much doubt that it is going to happen.