While I agree somewhat with your sentiment, I don't think your reference to the Romans would really stand up to analysis. The problems we face today don't have much to do with being overrun by visigoths.

I also don't like your dichotomy between "those who adapt and those who take". We are all of us taking, every second of our lives. Everything we possess or covet on our silly little planet is the gift of our great benefactor the Sun, and I don't see that changing anytime soon.