The Breakthrough that became a Breakdown

I am reading Fire & Blood: A History of Mexico It describes the glory that was Mexico's past, and its sudden ending.

Our family was fascinated by Mexico, and we used to drive from our home in Nauvoo, Illinois all the way to Acapulco, and back, every year-end holiday. When my parents retired, they joined a religious mission in Saltillo, Mexico - that did not last very long.

My father did not last very long, after that - he died, as did the church (RLDS) that he was devoted to.

Unbeknownst to them, they were living through a collapse (or breakdown) of their world. And one part of this breakdown, was a complete lack of awareness, that it was happening.

These people are proud of the fact, that they know nothing.