This essay is about the polycrisis, whereby the global order is afflicted by simultaneous crises impacting economics, politics, societal relations, geopolitics, and nature. The essay uses the metaphor of \u201cbad apples\u201d versus \u201cbad barrel\u201d to explain the argument. The \u201cbad apples\u201d explanation views the polycrisis as a series of idiosyncratic crises, and it leaves the free market ideal intact and absolves capitalism. The \u201cbad barrel\u201d explanation sees the polycrisis as being systemically produced, and it contests the free market ideal and identifies capitalism as the driving cause. The Neoliberal era (1980 \u2013 present) has surfaced the polycrisis, and the crisis openly revives Luxemburg\u2019s question of \u201csocialism or barbarism?\u201d There is much to be done if society is to avoid a repeat of barbarism. That includes persuasively explaining capitalism\u2019s flaws, articulating the future of socialism, and breaking the chokehold on politics that blocks surfacing these issues. The Chinese proverb is \u201cA journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.\u201d That is true, but we should also seek to ensure the first step is in the right direction. Acknowledging the polycrisis and recognizing it is a product of capitalism\u2019s \u201cbad barrel\u201d does both.<\/p>\n\n\n\n