Sustainable Revolution? Critical mass

The second criteria stated in the article was critical mass. Once there is a catalyst for change there needs to be support for that change in order for it to gain momentum, or critical mass. Going back to the industrial revolution as an example, the mass distribution of electrical power increased the efficiency of factory production. Improvements in the transportation sector, such as the steam engine and automobiles, allowed greater distribution of products and expansion of infrastructure. These actions were able to persuade society of the benefits of industrialization and this helped the revolution gain its momentum. Those caught up in the sheer potential or the competition to conform were easily persuaded while those who resisted were eventually forced to change. This was revolutionary because it fundamentally changed the way of life in Europe. In contrast, the sustainability movement has not been successful in persuading society to change. Society is protective of the lifestyle produced by the industrial revolution. Despite the personal computer and internet, the central ideas of this movement have not struck a chord with society. The value system, consciousness and world view remains focused on consumerism and personal gain, things that coincidentally were reinforced by the industrial revolution. The sustainability movement does not offer a viable replacement for this way of life, but rather a perceived reduction in quality, and these types of ideas lose steam quickly.