Living in the Darkest Timeline: A Conversation with Bram Gieben

7 snips

Sep 2, 2024

In a riveting conversation, author Bram Gieben delves into apocalyptic narratives and their hidden truths about our current dystopia. He candidly discusses how these stories shape our perceptions of climate change, urging a more nuanced understanding of our fragile ecological systems. The dialogue shifts to pressing issues like water scarcity, highlighting the consequences of historical decisions. Gieben also critiques the resurgence of transhumanism and its implications, calling for a critical examination of progress in an increasingly complex world.

Ask episode

Chapters

Books

Transcript

Episode notes

Intro

00:00 • 3min

Apocalyptic Narratives and Ecological Reflections

02:41 • 26min

The Evolution of Digital Discourse

28:40 • 14min

Disillusionment and Activism: Reflections on Political Movements

43:01 • 17min

Reality and Simulations: Philosophical Explorations

59:55 • 7min

Elite Protests and Social Movements

01:07:07 • 9min

Navigating Culture and Critical Theory

01:15:41 • 27min

Mental Health in the Capitalist Context

01:42:15 • 13min

Idealism vs. Reality in Societal Constructs

01:55:24 • 8min

Exploring Personal Branding and Creative Support

02:02:58 • 2min

What if our apocalyptic narratives are actually masking the true dystopia we live in today? Join us as we challenge conventional wisdom in our latest episode, featuring a thought-provoking conversation with Bram Gieben, author of "The Darkest Timeline, Living in a World with no Future." Bram shares his insights into how these narratives shape our understanding of current global crises, influenced by thinkers like John Gray and Slavoj Žižek. Together, we unpack the complexities of addressing climate change and the subjective nature of apocalyptic experiences, offering a fresh perspective on the notion of linear progress.

Next, we turn our focus to the pressing issue of water scarcity and climate collapse in the United States. Journalist Josh Ellis provides a sobering look at how historical decisions around state boundaries and water distribution have left places like Las Vegas and Salt Lake City on the brink of ecological disaster. Through Ellis's detailed examples, the fragile nature of our human infrastructure becomes evident, reminding us of the precarious balance between progress and environmental stability. This segment amplifies the conversation around skepticism about progress and the vulnerabilities in our current systems.

We also take a critical lens to the resurgence of transhumanism and its cultural ramifications. From the initial optimism of Ray Kurzweil to the contemporary skepticism fueled by AI fears and tech billionaire narratives, we explore the self-aggrandizing tendencies of tech leaders and the risks of digital escapism. As our dialogue unfolds, we examine the intricate dance between digital colonization, censorship, and the evolution of social media interactions. We conclude with a deep dive into the fragmented legacy of influential thinkers like Mark Fisher, reflecting on how their work continues to resonate and challenge our understanding of mental health, capitalism, and societal structures. Don't miss this episode packed with thought-provoking discussions at the intersections of technology, society, and philosophy.

Send us a text

Musis by Bitterlake, Used with Permission, all rights to Bitterlake

Support the show

Crew:
Host: C. Derick Varn
Intro and Outro Music by Bitter Lake.
Intro Video Design: Jason Myles
Art Design: Corn and C. Derick Varn

Links and Social Media:
twitter: @varnvlog
blue sky: @varnvlog.bsky.social
You can find the additional streams on Youtube

Current Patreon at the Sponsor Tier: Jordan Sheldon, Mark J. Matthews, Lindsay Kimbrough, RedWolf, DRV, Kenneth McKee, JY Chan, Matthew Monahan, Parzival, Adriel Mixon