[armada651]

If there is a chance at survival, no matter how slim I would take it. Even if it brings me suffering at least I tried to escape death. Whether my end was peaceful or dignified is of no relevance to me, because I won't be around to regret my end.

[tintor]

The problem is how much of your resources and time right now will you spend "prepping" for that "no matter how slim" chance in the future.

[jajko]

Its like working out in the gym - if you see it as a chore and a must, it is or becomes painful very quickly. If you make it fun and self-motivating (and ie get into hiking and camping in the wilderness, or practice shooting on targets, or training martial arts, some people really enjoy gardening and so on), the time is not wasted but enjoyed.

But I agree thats hardly a mindset of typical US redneck prepper. Although most of them live in rural areas and at least some hunting skills are sort of essential to cut costs.

[Nevermark]

> hunting skills are sort of essential to cut costs.

That's the first time I have heard of marauding post-apocalyptic biker gangs being called "costs"!

[NotCamelCase]

This discussion reminds me a beautiful sentence I read in 'The Power and the Glory' by Graham Greene: "Hope is an instinct that only the reasoning human mind can kill."