1017: The End of the World | Skeptical Sunday

7 snips

Jul 14, 2024

Join Andrew Gold, host of "On the Edge with Andrew Gold" and expert on extreme beliefs, as he delves into humanity's fascination with the end of the world. They debunk famous doomsday predictions, from religious cults to misinterpreted calendars like 2012. Andrew discusses the psychological grip of apocalyptic narratives and the impact of societal fears, including climate change and AI. They also explore the Fermi Paradox and the Great Filter, questioning why we haven't met aliens yet. Humor and hope for humanity's future shine through!

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Transcript

Episode notes

ANECDOTE

Movies Reflect Anxieties

Oppenheimer reflects current anxieties about the end of the world.
Barbie reflects a longing for youth and innocence.

INSIGHT

Scientology and End-of-World Beliefs

Tom Cruise's movies often feature him saving the world, aligning with Scientology's belief in an evil alien.
This fascination with end-of-the-world scenarios contributes to Scientology's survival despite controversies.

ANECDOTE

Heaven's Gate Tragedy

Heaven's Gate cult believed Earth would be "recycled" and the only way to survive was to leave their bodies.
39 members died in a mass suicide, seeking to join an alien spacecraft.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Get the app

If you're constantly obsessed over predictions that the end of the world is nigh, Andrew Gold has some (mostly) good news for us on this Skeptical Sunday!

Welcome to Skeptical Sunday, a special edition of The Jordan Harbinger Show where Jordan and a guest break down a topic that you may have never thought about, open things up, and debunk common misconceptions. This time around, we’re joined by On the Edge host Andrew Gold!

On This Week's Skeptical Sunday, We Discuss:

Throughout history, would-be prophets and doomsaying groups have predicted the end of the world, but all have been wrong so far. This includes religious prophecies, cult beliefs, and misinterpretations of ancient calendars like the 2012 Mayan prediction.
The concept of the end of the world is often used by religions and cults to control their members, instilling fear and promoting compliance with their rules and beliefs.
There are several potential threats to humanity's survival, including climate change, nuclear war, pandemics, resource depletion, and the development of artificial intelligence. However, the likelihood of these causing a complete end to humanity is debated.
The Fermi Paradox and the concept of the Great Filter suggest that advanced civilizations may face barriers to long-term survival, which could explain why we haven't encountered alien life despite the vastness of the universe.
While concerns about global threats are valid, it's important to maintain perspective and not become overly anxious. Humanity has shown resilience and innovation in the face of past challenges. By staying informed, curious, and skeptical, we can work towards addressing potential threats and shaping a positive future for ourselves and future generations.
Connect with Jordan on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. If you have something you'd like us to tackle here on Skeptical Sunday, drop Jordan a line at jordan@jordanharbinger.com and let him know!
Connect with Andrew Gold on Twitter and Instagram, and check out On the Edge with Andrew Gold here or wherever you enjoy listening to fine podcasts!

Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/1017

This Episode Is Brought To You By Our Fine Sponsors: jordanharbinger.com/deals

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.