This edited extract from Survival of the Richest by Douglas Rushkoff is a disturbing look at the mindset of billionaire preppers — who are as keen to distance themselves from other people as they are from disaster.

One had already secured a dozen Navy Seals to make their way to his compound if he gave them the right cue. But how would he pay the guards once even his crypto was worthless? What would stop the guards from eventually choosing their own leader.