Although certain dates peak the interest of those ignorant of how the dates were created, the calendar is by no means the sole judge of when apocalyptic frenzies will be peaked. The 'signs of the times' are always with us. As Weber states on page 33 All ages are marked by perils, lawlessness, social disorders and upheavals, breakdown of morality and family, turbulence and troubles that can serve as signs and stimulate expectations. Joining pessimism and optimism together, the millenarian message is infinitely adaptable to the circumstances of every age. The remainder of the book chronicles the thousands of years in which these ever-existent 'signs' cause predictions and preparations for an end which has failed to materialize over the millennia.
Adversity is good for faith, and adversity is ever present.
The more progress a society makes, the more you can expect doomsday prophets to raise their heads . Weber demonstrates how the minds of many haven't changed all that much since the Medieval Era. The incredible part is that this has been happening for thousands of years, and believers haven't wised up to history enough to get past the perennial 'end of times' superstition. At the same time, acknowledging and understanding the beliefs are of vital importance. In addition to some of the answers in this review, circular reasoning and the ability to 'correct' past 'misinterpretations' of the ever present signs play key roles.