#463
Mentioned in 10 episodes
The collapse of complex societies
Book • 1988
Joseph Tainter's "The Collapse of Complex Societies" is a seminal work in the study of societal collapse.
Tainter argues that complex societies, while initially successful, eventually become unsustainable due to diminishing returns on investments in complexity.
He examines various historical examples, including the Roman Empire and the Maya civilization, to illustrate his theory.
The book challenges simplistic explanations for societal decline and offers a more nuanced understanding of the factors leading to collapse.
It has significantly influenced the field of historical and anthropological studies.
Tainter argues that complex societies, while initially successful, eventually become unsustainable due to diminishing returns on investments in complexity.
He examines various historical examples, including the Roman Empire and the Maya civilization, to illustrate his theory.
The book challenges simplistic explanations for societal decline and offers a more nuanced understanding of the factors leading to collapse.
It has significantly influenced the field of historical and anthropological studies.
Mentioned by
Mentioned in 10 episodes
Recommended by Natalie Linsky from the Texas Blockchain Council.
83 snips
BTC098: Proof of Stake (PoS) Versus Proof of Work (PoW) w/ Jason Lowery (Bitcoin Podcast)
Recommended by 
Auron Macintyre for its sound core thesis on the reduction of marginal utility in complex societies, despite some flaws.
Auron Macintyre for its sound core thesis on the reduction of marginal utility in complex societies, despite some flaws.
31 snips
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Mentioned by Vince Lanci to illustrate the concept of societal collapse and the impact of specialization.
17 snips
Vince Lanci #1049
Mentioned by Speaker 1 as a book that discusses how societies become too complex to solve problems.
I’m far more concerned about the deficit than World War 3 [Podcast]
Mentioned by Kellan and Kory as the basis for many of their theories on collapse.
Episode 72 - Interview with Dr. Joseph Tainter (Complex Societies)
Recommended by Jerry and Stably for its insightful analysis of societal collapse.
The Collapse of Complex Societies by Joseph A. Tainter
