I used to think that the only way for capitalism to survive was perpetual growth. I even wrote this into the plot of my first novel [Alarm Clock Dawn]( https://www.amazon.com/Alarm-Clock-Dawn-Vance-Walton/dp/150851335X/ref=la_B00B2OS082_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1482933617&sr=1-1&refinements=p_82%3AB00B2OS082%2Cp_n_feature_browse-bin%3A2656022011).  Many economists believe there’s a more balanced approach to the economy that will allow capitalism to survive as resources dwindle and growth stagnates. [Here’s a great piece](http://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2013/02/the-end-of-growth-wouldnt-be-the-end-of-capitalism/273367/) in The Atlantic that explains more about that. 

Historically, when resources are abundant population growth is an simple way to insure economic growth under the capitalist system.  As natural resources continue to dwindle there will be a balancing point where it’ll be a major disadvantage for countries to have huge population growth.  I believe that countries that creatively maintain the proper balance will be the ones that thrive in the coming years. The future will be interesting, for sure. We're going to see lots of change and innovation in our lifetimes.  Thanks for this thought provoking article @sweetsssj!