Intelligence Squared Surviving Disaster, with Max Brooks and Carl Miller
Jun 22, 2021
Max Brooks, global bestselling author known for 'World War Z,' joins Carl Miller to delve into disaster preparedness in today's society. They discuss the fragility of modern comforts and the dire need for community resilience, referencing Brooks' novel 'Devolution.' The conversation covers practical survival strategies, the failures in pandemic responses, and the vital role of informed consumers in shaping leadership. With engaging storytelling, Brooks illustrates the lessons of resilience learned from his own experiences, emphasizing the need for collective responsibility.
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Episode notes
Scottish Apology and Greenloop Setting
- Max Brooks apologizes to Scottish listeners for the title of his novel, Devolution.
- The book's setting, Greenloop, is a technologically advanced community in the Cascade Mountains designed for telecommuters.
Technology's Downside
- Modern societies prioritize comfort and convenience over resilience, leaving them vulnerable when technology fails.
- Brooks's focus highlights the lack of preparedness for disasters, especially in technologically dependent communities.
Greenloopers' Adaptation
- The Greenloop residents struggle to adapt when disaster strikes, highlighting the theme of adaptation in Brooks's work.
- Their dependence on technology hinders their ability to survive when cut off from civilization.
