Catastrophe! Heroism! Paranoia! The dangerous romance of survivalist stories
Briefly

Kurt Saxon, also known as Donald Eugene Sisco, is recognized for coining the term 'survivalist.' His background in journalism and experiences with far-right groups shaped his apocalyptic views. Sisco advocated for self-sufficiency and prepared for society's potential collapse, launching the magazine Survivor in 1976, which combined practical survival tips with dire predictions of Collapse Day. The revival of interest in survivalism today includes diverse individuals concerned about climate change and political instability, mirroring Sisco's alarmist sentiments from decades prior.
Kurt Saxon, originally Donald Eugene Sisco, coined the term survivalist and believed he was reincarnation of historical figures, emphasizing a passion for self-sufficiency and apocalyptic predictions.
Survivalism has surged in popularity among diverse groups, from tech billionaires to doomsday preparers, driven by various fears including climate change and geopolitical tensions.
In the 1970s, Sisco's magazine, the Survivor, featured self-sufficiency tips alongside alarming predictions, marking a precursor to today's survivalist movements fueled by online conspiracies.
Sisco viewed his survivalist beliefs as rational preparations for a catastrophic future, blending excitement with a grim outlook on humanity's trajectory.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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