A Thin Veneer

Those people who are sceptical about the concerns of modern day preppers and others determined to increase their self-reliance must, this week, have reason to reflect.

The recent rioting, vandalism, and looting in Catalonia following last week’s severe flooding expose the fragile veneer that holds our civil society together. In times of crisis, the social contract that binds communities is often tested, revealing underlying tensions and vulnerabilities. While natural disasters typically evoke solidarity and resilience, the unrest in Catalonia highlights the ease with which societal norms can break down under stress. Rather than a united response to rebuild and support one another, pockets of opportunism emerged, with individuals exploiting the situation for personal gain through acts of looting and destruction.

This behavior underscores a disturbing reality: when systems of order waver, even temporarily, the line between civility and chaos can quickly blur. It reveals that while laws and community standards are fundamental, they are not always enough to prevent disorder when pressures rise. The events in Catalonia serve as a sobering reminder of the importance of both strong governance and a shared social ethic to maintain stability, especially in the face of natural or man-made crises. These incidents should prompt a reflection on how to reinforce community bonds and resilience to prevent similar responses in future times of adversity.

Here at Quinta ShangriLa we are grateful for a degree of self-reliance that acts as an insulator from similar events in the future.