Late Night Live - Separate stories podcast
How can societal collapses of the past guide us in these uncertain times
May 21, 2025
Luke Kemp, a research affiliate at the Centre for the Study of Existential Risk, dives into societal collapses throughout history. He reveals how the rise of civilizations often stems from domination and exploitation, leading to their eventual downfall. The discussion highlights the lifespan of states, typically around 326 years, and stresses the need for democratic institutions and wealth equality for resilience. Kemp advocates for collective decision-making to tackle urgent issues like climate change while addressing how interconnectedness and systemic inequalities play a role in potential global crises.
26:42
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Quick takeaways
- Historical analysis shows that societal collapses often stem from internal inequality, revealing the importance of equitable institutions for resilience.
- Kemp argues that the rise of civilizations was primarily driven by domination and exploitation, challenging traditional notions of cooperation among societies.
Deep dives
The Certainty of Collapse
Benjamin Franklin's famous remark about death and taxes serves as a reminder that the stability of states is not guaranteed. Luke Kemp argues that states may appear permanent, but history reveals their fragility through cycles of collapse. Individuals have a deep fascination with the reasons behind the downfall of empires, as it connects to the broader existential questions of humanity. Examining historical failures, Kemp points out that the collapse narratives often derive from elitist perspectives, raising questions about whether these accounts might exaggerate the severity of these events.
