Started reading 'The Stand" - Richard King the other week. It's taking me a lot longer than I thought it would because its friggen massive - didn't realise just how tiny the writing was when I grabbed it off the shelf.
It makes me wonder though, if a super virus or something or other managed to wipe out 99.9% of the population, would I survive, first off - and if I did, how the hell would I survive in a world without technology, and money, and people providing for me?
The book was first written in the 80's, then re-done for the 90's but now, in 2010, we rely more and more on technology. I don't know how I'd figure out getting fresh water if all the taps were turned off, where to get meat when everything available went off. How to get petrol when the pumps wouldn't work - how to survive in a new world without rules and regulations.
I know all of these things sounds stupid but I just can't see myself surviving for that long in a place with no internet, now electricity. Would I then seek other people or just revert into myself and just slink around in the shadows?
Although, thinking about all those shops just waiting to be plundered does make me smile. Soooo much 'stuff' just lying around going to waste is very attractive. What can I say, I'm a closet thief....although I would guess most of us are, when faced with no consequences and the world at our disposal.
Also in the novel, for those who haven't yet read it or know anything about it, a virus comes out in America, almost 100% communicable, kills millions. Then the survivors start having dreams. One of a 108-year-old black woman who represents God and 'the dark man', Flagg, who represents the Devil. Most people have dreams about both, and whether you're inherently good or bad, the opposite of themselves scares them.
I wonder what side I'd be on, really. I know I'm a biiiiig bitch, and I could go either way. Whether I'd follow my good side, which can come out, every now and then, or whether I'd embrace my dark side and go totally postal. Or if I'd ignore them both and just live in seclusion.
I don't know what I'd do...we'll just have to wait and see.
I think you would embrace your dark side and then see the error of your ways and go back to the supposed good side. Then you would die. No not really you would be surprised how easily you would and could survive and would learn how to grow food and obtain water. Make sure you raid the library before you find a secluded patch of land to live on like a commune. Free love and ll of that shit. Mum
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