[thebradbain]

This is touched on in the article, but I never understood why billionaires think that they’ll be able to ride this out.

They’ll likely be the number one targets of armed mobs or other looters (or even sovereign nations armed with nuclear weapons themselves), since it’s no secret where most of these well-stocked self-sustaining bases are (since they won’t stop talking about how they _have_ them).

But more importantly: why would their hired security forces, farmhands, maids, etc serve them when their money and status is worthless?

Unless the Thiels, Zuckerbergs, etc. have something else of tangible value, the rest of the compound is going to define their own hierarchy real quickly, and it likely won’t end up with the billionaire sleeping in the master bedroom.

[15457345234]

That's the model that worked for kingdoms, dukedoms and fiefdoms for ages, I don't know why you think it wouldn't work now.

The hierarchy establishes itself under a figure they feel will protect them and keep them safe. It's a personality cult. They work. Don't ask me why, but they do.

[brnt]

Come the apocalypse, nobody is going to seek shelter under the iron fists of Zuckerberg. He lacks raw power (where is his army?) and if he had it, the stomach to ruthlessly apply it.

Ruthlessly exploit teens mental wellbeing through a website is quite something else than being seen to wield deadly physical force yourself.

[OezMaster]

Zuckerberg has been training (and posing) with mma fighters. He is an mma fighter himself. I think you underestimate his potential for violence.

[brnt]

MMA isn't at all about hurting anyone.

[bamboozled]

It was as totally different scenario ? The fiefdoms weren’t living through the apocalypse and had something to offer? Zuck will have nothing to offer when the money is worthless.

[pizzafeelsright]

Food, shelter, fear, and 'hope' can retain a lot of servants.

The life outside the compound may be less attractive than pulling weeds on the inside.

[r14c]

fiefdoms only work under specific material conditions. assuming we're referencing Europe, part of those conditions include cultural and economic isolation. even if the current global order collapsed violently, nobody is starting from scratch. especially for the first couple of generations, people will remember that there is a wide world out there. people now at least have been exposed to the idea of governing through consent and basic democratic principles. these guys are talking about putting shock collars on their body guards. they aren't going to be kings after the end of the world, they can't even imagine having loyal bodyguards

[genocidicbunny]

Until someone with a weapon realizes they can probably still have all those things without the rich asshole and his family to feed and take care of.

[kjs3]

And for ages, those kingdoms, dukedoms and fiefdoms had revolts, revolutions and displacements. I don't know why you think they wouldn't in the future.

Zuck and the rest aren't trying to become a 'figure they feel will protect them and keep them safe', they're building fortresses so when SHTF they won't be bothered with the rabble.

[blibble]

kingdoms were created by the aggregation of conquests of smaller regions

the biggest bastard in terms of local warfare got to be a warlord, and kingdoms were created when they fought and beat other nearby warlords

then to stay king you need to win battles against other kings who want your kingdom, and so on

if society collapses I'd be surprised if zuck survives his own security forces beyond the first hour