You should pay attention to Anthony Smith. Several years ago I helped coordinate a facilitated interview with Anthony for a group of students. He inspired me to pick up a copy of the Baldwin: Collected Essays. I thought you may need to be encouraged to hope for the end of the world, as we know it. His vision is sure better than the faulty interpretation of the Mayan brouhaha.
httpv://youtu.be/YwTUZz8CE3g