Here is my question of the day for you. It was also famously asked in the hit movie “Revenge of the Nerds.” 

Would you rather live during the ascendancy of a civilization or during its decline? 

This may seem like a black in white question since we do not know whether the civilization is in the ascendancy or decline period. For example, if we are in the beginning stages of a decline, you might live long enough to barely notice any changes. In historical times, major changes in civilized status tended to occur at a much slower rate. 

The other factor is globalization. Today, it is easier than ever make a new life for yourself in a foreign country. However, this would disqualify Western Europe, Australia, and Japan because they are not considered regions of ascendancy.  

I think if this was purely a black and white question, I would choose to live in the ascendancy. This is due in part because there is the element of inspiration and knowledge of a better tomorrow no matter how long that may take. 

Otherwise, if we are living in the beginning phase of a decline, I would choose decline. My answer here is based on still having the infrastructure and remaining prestige of the nation state of today. You would have access to the best health, education, resources, opportunity, wealth, etc. 

The only downside is that you will know the civilization will not reign over all others forever. The only hope here is that the standard of living will not decline. Just because a nation no longer holds top economic or military power does not necessarily mean that the standard of living will decrease. The countries of Western Europe, Australia, and Japan today share relatively the same standard of living as the United States. 

So, here are my quick thoughts. What are yours? Leave me some comments.