The End of The World: 4 Interesting Disaster Theories

In two years, the world could end. That is, if you believe an ancient Mayan disaster theory. While most of us take pride in rationality and the belief that life will continue beyond the next decade, a surprisingly large portion of today's population believes otherwise. From disaster death theories to end-of-the-world hysteria, theories and spiritual beliefs in 'the end' continue to influence culture.

It's quite understandably why they're such a large force in society. Despite our rational finance and economic systems, we're a global culture that's actually quite superstitious. How many times have you ran into someone that's cursing their bad luck? How about avoiding cracks while you walked down the street? Superstition's ingrained in our belief system, and it's unlikely to disappear soon.

These four disaster theories aren't likely to occur, although they are likely to inspire fear. They're an interesting look at the way our culture values fear and superstition, and an incredibly strange look at the way ancient cultures viewed the world. Whether you're a die-hard conspiracy buff or simple an interested researcher, make sure to learn more about these four interesting 'the end' disaster theories.

1. The Mayan '2012' Calendar End Date

The Mayan calendar is a favourite of conspiracy theorists. Along with a series of predicted events that, not surprisingly, didn't come to pass, the Mayan calender predicts an end to all life on earth in the year 2012. It's an ambitious prediction, and it's one that's got the conspiracy world in a frenzy.

From big budget disaster movies to 'how to survive' guides, the 2012 theory is one of the world's most sensationalized, and commercialized. There are several theories out there, some predicting a sea of asteroids; others poison gas and burning skies. Will they happen or not – we don't yet know.

2. The Year 2000 Technology Wipe-Out

The year 2000 was a fairly frightening occurrence for many digital business and major banks. Faced with a potential technology crisis, many large companies backed up their entire computer archive to ensure that their data was safe. The risk? Deletion due to too many zeros aligned in sequence.

While it sounds bizarre and ridiculous today, the Y2K bug was a real concern for companies. World governments prepared survival guides and citizens braced themselves for electrical wipe-outs, water shortages, and other disasters. Aside from a small, completely unrelated accident at a power station, the 'end of technology' bug turned out to be hot air – all computers functioned as normal.

3. The New World Order's 'End of Time' Scheme

Few conspiracy theories match the 'New World Order' scheme. Brainstormed by some very creative conspiracy theorists, the New World Order idea claims that the world's entire banking system works under the control of a small elite group. Supposed 'members' include the Bush family, the Queen of England, and a large selection of other royals, influential politicians, and world leaders.

Is it real? No. Has that put off thousands of incredibly devoted, absolutely crazy theorists? No. The vocal New World Order alliance has staged marches across the United States, produced online film documentaries, and even written letters to politicians in an effort to 'expose' their bizarre fantasy.

4. Nikola Tesla's Electrical Death Storm

Not all conspiracy theories revolve around international banking fraud or ancient calenders. When Nikola Tesla – the brilliant Austrian inventor – pioneered electricity in the 1800s, early opponents to the technology claimed that it would drain the world's natural resources within weeks, even days.

Of course, while electricity does require natural resources to be generated, it isn't quite powerful enough to suck the world's supply dry in a week. The endless list of doomsday theories related to Tesla are a reassuring look at how technology, even when valuable, is constantly misunderstood.