In Chapter 1, how does O’Connell articulate his anxieties and his reasons for writing the book? Do you have similar fears? How might you process these fears?

This question encourages readers to reflect upon O’Connell’s personal perspectives, as well as his stated motivations for sitting this book. Among other things, readers might discuss personal anxiety as connected to global concerns, and how one might respond to such problems.

How does O’Connell portray doomsday preppers in Chapter 2? What are the apparent causes of these people’s views and actions, and in what ways are they problematic?

This question prompts the reader to consider O’Connell’s specific descriptions of doomsday preppers in Chapter 2. Readers might discuss things such as the socially regressive views held by these preppers, and the specific fears and anxieties that might incite such views within a person.

In Chapter 3, what are the underlying moral and sociopolitical dynamics of O’Connell’s critique of Vivos? Do you agree with his critiques? Why or why not?