When the world grapples with uncertainty and change, the idea of doomsday isn’t far from people’s minds. From climate change to political unrest, there are various theories painting a picture of a world on the brink. And while these theories range from scientific predictions to the stuff of science fiction, they all share a common thread – the notion that our world, as we know it, might one day cease to exist.
In response to these theories, survival strategies have become a growing interest. Some people stockpile food and water, others learn survivalist skills, and then there are those who go a step further, seeking a deeper understanding of self-sufficiency. Among these forward-thinkers is Maynard James Keenan – the rockstar turned winemaker who believes that the key to survival lies in not just understanding our world but in cultivating a harmonious existence within it.
Keenan, the man with the distinctive voice behind the renowned rock bands Tool, A Perfect Circle, and Puscifer, looks beyond the stage and the recording studio into a future where self-reliance may be our only saving grace. Away from the microphone, Keenan’s second act is as a winemaker. He owns Merkin Vineyards and Caduceus Cellars in Arizona, a far cry from the bright lights of Los Angeles.
In a 2017 interview with The Guardian, Keenan took a different track from the usual rock star talk. He didn’t talk about his next album or tour. Instead, he spoke of survival – not just his, but everyone’s. His view of the world is both practical and harsh. He believes that our society is due for a fall, and when that happens, he wants to be ready.
The Tool singer warned fans about the possible ‘doomsday’ during the interview:
“Nobody’s coming to your rescue. If these things are true, all [the things] the doomsayers and all the naysayers are saying in the press about this presidency … you have to default back to what really matters, what truly keeps you connected, and learn how to not only survive yourself but to help your neighbors survive.”
Keenan’s survival message isn’t solely about individualism. While he emphasizes the importance of self-reliance, he also explains the need for a community and shared resilience. Maynard stresses the importance of learning how to help your neighbors survive. His words, while stark, are also threaded with a sense of shared responsibility.
Keenan also gave some advice on how to survive:
“If you study history at all, the US is long overdue for a fall. So you know, just keeping that in mind … I’m not being a doomsayer; it’s just that changes occur; it’s what happens. If you want to enter the proverbial, metaphorical kingdom of heaven – which to me just means ‘survive’ – if you want to survive this storm, [you need to] understand what a storm is.
You need to understand how to survive it. It’s simple. Grow your own f*cking food. Don’t rely on someone else to make it for you. Don’t rely on somebody else to build your house for you, don’t rely on someone else to bring water to you.”
The doomsday scenario, as distant or fantastical as it may seem, holds an undeniable truth – the need for self-reliance and community resilience in the face of adversity. From growing our own food to learning the basics of construction and water sourcing, Maynard’s advice calls for a return to basics to understanding the essentials of life that we’ve outsourced to others.
In a world increasingly fraught with uncertainties, Keenan’s survival plan for doomsday stands as a testament to the power of self-sufficiency and community cooperation. His advice, practical and raw, provides a roadmap not just to survive but thrive in the face of adversity. Whether or not doomsday looms on the horizon, there’s something profoundly empowering about taking control of our survival and, in turn, our destiny.
