Throughline When Things Fall Apart (Throwback)
10 snips
Jan 11, 2024 Exploring the concept of the internal struggle between good and evil within each individual and its impact on society. Is civilization just a thin layer that covers our raw human nature? Exploring the influence of veneer theory on our fear towards others and proposing a new narrative to challenge it. The bleak picture of human nature presented by the Founding Fathers and the necessity of government. Debating the value and necessity of hierarchical structures and contrasting viewpoints. The infamous Stanford Prison Experiment and understanding human cruelty. How narratives we create about ourselves impact real-life situations. The power of collaboration and optimism in the face of climate change.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Veneer Theory Explained
- Veneer theory suggests civilization is a thin layer masking our true, selfish nature.
- A crisis cracks this veneer, revealing our inherent savagery.
Founding Fathers & Veneer Theory
- The Founding Fathers, influenced by Hobbesian philosophy, designed the Constitution with a pessimistic view of human nature.
- They believed in a strong government as necessary to prevent societal collapse.
Hobbes' Leviathan
- Thomas Hobbes, influenced by the English Civil Wars, argued for a strong ruler (Leviathan) to enforce social order.
- He believed that without it, life would be "nasty, brutish, and short."