Using the environment to the fullest possible extent, we leave over very little of the spare capacity that may be so useful when confronted by the need to change. In a fully-utilized world, change even at the operational margins has a greater-than-ever human and environmental cost. Spare capacity would, prima facie, appear to be pro-resilience and pro-sustainability. But the obvious conflict is that, in this world, fuller and fuller use of resources is a moral and survival imperative for those who lack basic needs. Viewed from their standpoint, spare capacity would seem to be a luxury that cannot be afforded under present conditions -- particularly when much of the potential for spare capacity is negated by overconsumption elsewhere.