Our long obsession with the end of the world

Jul 28, 2024

Matt Elton, an expert on apocalyptic thought, dives into humanity's longstanding fascination with the end of the world. He explores the evolution of these fears, from asteroids to AI, and how they've been depicted in literature and film. Elton discusses pivotal moments in history, like the years 1000 and 2000, and the role of the church in shaping perceptions of Judgment Day. He also highlights emotional echoes in works like Mary Shelley's 'The Last Man', linking past anxieties to today's climate concerns and technological threats.

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Intro

00:00 • 3min

Unveiling Revelation: Narratives of End Times

03:21 • 5min

Examining Millennial Fears: 1000 vs 2000

08:26 • 2min

Secular Visions of the End: 19th Century Eschatology

10:07 • 8min

Fears and Fiction: The Anxieties of the 19th Century to Today

17:45 • 16min

Exploring Apocalyptic Narratives in Literature and Film

34:01 • 4min