Explore how a small group with a population less than 1% has dramatically shaped world history. Discover the striking achievements of Jewish civilization, from producing a third of Nobel laureates to influencing major world religions. Delve into cultural parallels with groups like the Mormons, and examine the psychological insights of the Ten Commandments amidst ancient challenges. The conversation highlights the evolution of Jewish identity, its resilience through adversity, and the ongoing relevance of these themes in contemporary society.
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insights INSIGHT
Tiny Tribe, Massive Impact
The Jewish population is tiny yet has repeatedly altered world history over 4,000 years.
Their influence defies rational historical models, making them one of the most accomplished ethnic groups.
insights INSIGHT
Origins of Jewish Monotheism
Jewish monotheism originated as a complex religious reaction on the edges of older civilizations.
Their strict rituals built strong in-group trust, aiding survival amid powerful neighbors.
insights INSIGHT
Intellectual Selection Pressure
An ancient Jewish priest class selected for high verbal intelligence and analysis.
This partly explains the disproportionate intellectual achievements of Jewish people today.
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After reading 3,000+ pages for this series, I've concluded the Jews represent history's most improbable civilization. Pennsylvania alone has almost as many people as all Jews worldwide (15 million), yet this tiny desert tribe has repeatedly altered world history's trajectory over 4,000 years. They've produced ONE-THIRD of all Nobel Prize winners while comprising less than 1% of global population and birthed three major world religions. Their continued existence and influence completely defies rational historical models—making them perhaps history's most accomplished ethnic group.
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LINKS:
Link to my second podcast on world history and interviews: / @history102-qg5oj
Link to my Twitter-https://twitter.com/whatifalthist?ref...
Link to my Instagram-https://www.instagram.com/rudyardwlyn...Bibliography:
Paul. Johnson's History of the Jews
A History of the Jewish People by Ben Sasson
Our Oriental Heritage by Will Durant
Caesar and Christ by Will Durant
The Age of Faith by Will Durant
Who We Are and How we Got Here by David Reich
The Passion of the Western Mind by Tarnas
A History of Religious Ideas by Mircea Eliade
The Ordeal of Civility by Cuddihy
The Jewish Evolutionary Strategy by Kevin Macdonald
The Culture of Critique by Kevin Macdonald
The People that Will Dwell Alone by Kevin Macdonal
Pax by Tom Holland
Dominion by Tom Holland
Migrations and Cultures by Thomas Sowell
A History of the Ancient World by Ben Sasson
The Shaping of America by Meinig
American Nations by Colin Woodard
Masks of the Gods by Joseph Camble
Sex and Power in History by Amaury de Riencourt
Lineages of Modernity by Emmanuel ToddT
The Righteous Mind by John haidt
The Evolution of Civilizations by Carroll Quiggley
A History of Egypt by Breasted
1177 BC the Year Civilization Died by Eric Cline
Debt by David Grabber
A Guide to Late Antiquity by Peter Brown
Fire in the Minds of Men by Billington
Cynical Theories by James Lindsay
The Decline of the West by Oswald Spengler
The World's Religions by Houston Smith
Blooodlands by Timothy Snyder
"WhatifAlthist" | World History, Philosophy, Culture