Early Indicators:

... most of us are greatly skilled at self-exoneration and enormously talented at shifting blame to others - granted, responsibility is widely distributed - there are dishonest persons who perpetuate corruption for profit throughout every level of society - there are those who cheat and lie to consumers and engage in all manner of questionable practises - there are extremists of the Right and of the Left who behave as though hatred and violence will pave the way to a better future - there are those of power and influence who could effect constructive change of our institutions, but who protect their vested interests and disregard humanity's future - there are the majority of citizens who are complacent about the impending crisis so long as they are supplied with essential consumer goods and some luxuries -apathy can be even more harmful than antipathy to the human condition - they are loathe to risk discomfort for the common good of mankind - they are more disposed to risk mankind. -- [Dr. Laurence J. Peter, author THE PETER PLAN, 1975]