The Apocalypse Is Going to Be a Lot Friendlier Than You Think
May 22, 2024
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Guest Athena Aktipis, psychologist, and cooperation theorist, shares tips from her book 'A Field Guide to the Apocalypse.' They discuss the importance of humor and social connections in surviving catastrophes, fostering mutual aid networks, and debunking the myth of selfishness in apocalyptic scenarios. The episode highlights the power of cooperation, community resilience, and the value of preparation for unexpected disasters.
Survive the apocalypse by embracing playfulness and cooperation instead of hiding away.
Human nature inclines towards generosity and mutual aid in times of crises, fostering community support networks.
Deep dives
Surviving the Apocalypse Through Playfulness
Athena Octopus, an associate professor in the Department of Psychology at Arizona State University, suggests that those who are likely to survive an apocalypse are those who engage in playfulness rather than hiding away. She emphasizes the importance of leveraging positive aspects of human nature like cooperation and creativity to effectively deal with the challenges of the apocalypse. By fostering a mindset of imagination and humor, individuals can better navigate stressful situations and collaborate with others for mutual support.
The Power of Human Cooperation in Times of Crisis
A deep dive into human generosity and cooperation during crises reveals that people across societies exhibit a natural inclination towards helping each other in times of need. Various examples, such as the Oso-Twa rules followed by the Messiah of East Africa and neighboring systems in the American West, highlight how communities have informal support networks to assist members facing unexpected hardships. These acts of generosity and mutual aid showcase a fundamental aspect of human social behavior aimed at providing a safety net during disasters or unforeseen events.
Embracing Preparedness and Adventure for Uncertain Times
Preparing for disasters is emphasized as a crucial step for individuals to navigate uncertain times effectively. Athena Octopus recommends having essential emergency supplies like water, food, a shelter kit, and tools for survival. By incorporating a sense of adventure and being ready for routine mishaps, individuals can cultivate a proactive approach towards readiness and resilience. The idea of maintaining everyday carry adventure kits and car kits exemplifies a continuous readiness mindset that fosters a sense of security and preparedness in facing potential challenges.
Psychologist and cooperation theorist Athena Aktipis shares advice from her new book, A Field Guide to the Apocalypse, on how to survive and thrive in doomsday scenarios from catastrophic natural disasters to zombie outbreaks.
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Science Quickly is produced by Rachel Feltman, Kelso Harper, Madison Goldberg and Jeff DelViscio. This episode was hosted by Rachel Feltman with guest Athena Aktipis. Our show is edited by Elah Feder, Alexa Lim, Madison Goldberg and Anaissa Ruiz Tejada, with fact-checking by Shayna Posses and Aaron Shattuck. The theme music was composed by Dominic Smith.