The #AskAbhijit Show #AskAbhijit 299: Sparta, Child Marriage, Stalin, Mao, Egypt, Saxons, Vietnam War, Revolution, 'Straya
Oct 27, 2025
Dive into fascinating historical contrasts, from the dynamics of the American and French Revolutions to the distinct paths of Stalin and Mao. Explore the evolution of child marriage across cultures and uncover why modern Turks exhibit European traits. Discover how ancient Indian contacts reached Australia without conquest and how Sparta's military might came with its own vulnerabilities. Plus, get insights on colonial history, the significance of the Library of Ashurbanipal, and what drove the US into the Vietnam War.
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Why Hinduism Endured Millennia
- Hinduism survived because it is decentralized, plural, and self-organizing across villages and regions.
- Its embedded daily rituals and varna-jati social units provided cultural resilience against top-down eradication.
India Wasn't Anyone's Vassal
- India in the 20th century was not a vassal of either the US or USSR despite strategic alignments.
- India preserved autonomy by sometimes opposing Soviet actions like the 1979 Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.
Reclaim Strength Through Hard Power
- Prioritize hard power by building a large economy, investing in military strength, and boosting science and manufacturing.
- Pursue meritocracy, strong unified leadership, and long-term investment to end civilizational humiliation.
