Clearer Thinking with Spencer Greenberg Why do civilizations collapse? And is ours next? (with Samo Burja)
Aug 19, 2021
Samo Burja, the founder of Bismarck Analysis and a seasoned researcher at the Long Now Foundation, dives into the forces that shape civilizations. He discusses the intriguing concept of 'long history', revealing how ancient agricultural practices intertwine with societal development. Samo evaluates why civilizations collapse, linking knowledge transmission and governance quality to their longevity. He warns of modern pitfalls, comparing contemporary challenges to those faced by ancient empires, and introduces the 'great founder' theory as essential for building resilient institutions.
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Long History
- "Long history" studies the prehistory of society alongside recorded history, using archaeological and genetic evidence.
- This approach recognizes that human civilization likely predates written sources, offering a richer understanding of cultural development.
Institutional Gap in History
- Historians primarily focus on written sources, while archaeologists study prehistory, creating an institutional gap in long history studies.
- Interdisciplinary collaboration is needed to bridge this gap, especially for societies on the edge of recorded history.
Agriculture and Civilization
- Traditional theories link agriculture directly to complex societies, suggesting that agriculture enabled large population centers and taxation.
- New evidence challenges this view, showing agriculture might have existed long before complex societies emerged.
