Four possible futures for humanity

There are four possible patterns for the future of humanity:

1. Recurrent collapse: A cyclical pattern of prosperity and ruin, similar to the view of history held by the ancients.
2. Plateau: A scenario where the entire world converges to a level of development similar to that of the richest countries today. This would be a future of sameness and intense competition.
3. Extinction: A collapse so devastating that humanity does not survive. This could be the result of a global conflict arising from stagnation and competition for scarce resources.
4. Singularity: An accelerating takeoff toward a much better future, driven by new technology. This would be a future so different from the present that it is difficult to describe.