" But if you believe Captain Smith, and want to remain on the bridge, that's your decision."
Ok that was a good example and I suppose I could could find many good examples for my argument but why waste the time. What will you do if our currency just go bellyup overnight? Will a closet full of gold help? No, the govt will either confiscate it or someone else will steal it. If they don't, what the heck will you use it for? The power vacuum will be filled and I'm sure our new masters will have plenty for us to do.
I think there are better ways to prepare yourself for potential problems of any kind.
If you don't know why it's worth having some gold, then you have not studied any of the copius histories on the collapses of various fiat currencies.