Author Dorian Lynskey discusses apocalyptic themes throughout history, from literature to movies, exploring societal fears and human psyche. He delves into the impact of the atomic bomb on science fiction and the evolution of the last man genre, highlighting the fascination with destruction and the end of the world.
Throughout history, people have consistently believed they were living in apocalyptic times, driven by religious or secular anxieties.
The evolution of apocalyptic narratives shows a shift from religious to secular interpretations, influenced by science and literature.
Deep dives
Exploring Catastrophe Narratives Throughout History
Dorian Lindske's book 'Everything Must Go' delves into various forms of catastrophes through time, examining people's fears, technological concerns, and political anxieties. By studying dystopian narratives, Lindske reveals a recurring theme of societies feeling like they are in 'End Times' throughout history, leading to a surprisingly optimistic view.
Historical Trends in Apocalyptic Musings
Throughout history, people have consistently believed they were living in apocalyptic times, whether due to religious beliefs or secular concerns. Examples like the apocalyptic cults and anxieties of the 90s emphasize the persistent nature of these beliefs, with spikes after significant events like World Wars.
Doomsday Predictions and Numerology
Various dates and prophecies have attempted to predict doomsday scenarios, with examples like the Y2K panic and historical figures like William Sedgwick setting specific end-of-the-world dates. The fascination with round numbers like the turn of a century often fuels apocalyptic imaginations.
From Religious Eschatology to Secular Endings
The evolution of apocalyptic narratives from religious frameworks to secular interpretations is highlighted, starting from Lord Byron's poem 'Darkness' in 1816 to present-day depictions. The shift towards secular eschatology signifies a change in how humanity imagines its potential end, influenced by science, literature, and historical events.
In this week’s Book Club podcast my guest is Dorian Lynskey. In his new book Everything Must Go, Dorian looks at the way humans have imagined the end of the world from the Book of Revelations to the present day. He tells me how old fears find new forms, why Dr Strangelove divides critics, and why there’s always a few people who anticipate global annihilation with something that looks like longing.
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