Our long obsession with the end of the world
History Extra podcast
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Fears and Fiction: The Anxieties of the 19th Century to Today
This chapter examines the prevalent fears of societal collapse during the 1890s and how these anxieties have evolved over time, particularly in response to technological advancements. It explores literary and cultural responses to existential threats, such as the atomic bomb and artificial intelligence, linking historical panic to contemporary climate concerns. Through various narratives, the discussion highlights the complexity of human emotions surrounding catastrophe and the implications for activism and societal perceptions.
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Transcript
