I agree with most everything you said except the selfish part for wanting to opt out.

I think that’s true for some, but not everyone.

People like you and me, who aren’t super wealthy want homesteads and “bunkers" because deep down we believe civilization is going to collapse regardless and we better start requiring certain skill sets. The ones that will allow our families to have a chance to survive.

We may recognize the need to cooperate more but we also realize we can’t force cooperation, the effort will need near full cooperation effort, we’re split almost 50/50 with one half embracing delusion and lies. So, whether we want it or not, we can’t count on it. That doesn’t leave many good options on the table.

That’s not selfishness. Maybe it’s despair. Maybe it’s realism.