Another place End is Near thinking shows up is in how people plan for their future, in particular how people handle their resources-in-hand today to gain benefits in the future. Some people learn to save and spend for the future; some people learn to spend what they have for the present. When almost all is getting spent for the present, a person is living a hand-to-mouth lifestyle.
The instinct which supports this spend-it-now behavior has its roots in the semi-nomadic aspect of the Neolithic Village lifestyle. In the Neolithic Village lifestyle when wealth suddenly surges into a person or family's life, it is often a sign that things are about to change, and a move is coming up shortly - think a rich fall harvest of fruits that is going to be followed by a move to distant winter quarters. In such circumstances celebrating by consuming is a practical choice because “you can't take it with you”.
This instinct is not as practical when saving large amounts of many different kinds of things for long periods is possible - which becomes possible when sedentary living becomes the norm. But many people still have the semi-nomadic instinct, and still act based on it.
The tales of a person who is diligent and hardworking during the week and then takes his or her paycheck and blows it all on a weekend of hard partying are legion. This is a common lifestyle for a young adult; it is worrisome for those around the young adult because it can lead to an impoverished older age.
As a result many in the community who are living around such a person scratch their heads in concern and support creating many community rules and regulations to try and mitigate the looming poverty they see coming. Social Security and employee pensions are two of the most straightforward attempts at avoiding future poverty.
The big question is: why are these community-provided cushions necessary? Why can't people manage their own savings programs?