I mean 'we' as everyone collectively, as society. It's just manner of speaking. I wasn't even alive for most of the time frame mentioned, so I'm perfectly aware not everyone was actually able to 'listen' to the warnings.

There /is/ a large portion of the masses who are perfectly aligned with the goals of the rich and powerful and are happy to shit on their own doorstep for even a moment's convenience

I mean... people have been calling the apocalypse since ancient times. Because that's reality. Every civilization falls, every society fails, and it's often via war and violence. We simply have been able to become more connected and harm each other on larger scales over time.