"WhatifAlthist" | World History, Philosophy, Culture

Explore the historical shift to agnostic liberalism, a belief system that dismisses centuries of human struggle for meaning. Discover the critique of modern masculinity in the 'blue pill era' and the health benefits of cocoa flavanols. Delve into the red pill concept, discussing the choice between harsh realities and comforting illusions, especially for younger generations. Examine the evolution of power structures and the chaotic landscape of contemporary ideologies. Reflect on the pervasive feelings of alienation and societal tensions that challenge traditional perspectives.

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.

Dive into the rich tapestry of Jewish civilization, tracing its storied migrations from ancient Mesopotamia through turbulent history. Unpack the complexities of modern misinformation and anti-Semitism while understanding the historical context of Jewish struggles. Discover how pivotal events like the Babylonian exile, the Spanish Inquisition, and the role of the Holocaust shaped contemporary dynamics in Palestine. This exploration reveals the paradoxes of a culture deeply intertwined with resilience and transformation.

Dive into the dramatic rise and fall of the Maya civilization, once thriving in the Yucatan with populations surpassing today’s numbers. Experience a chilling narrative of their apocalyptic collapse, driven by relentless drought and extreme blood sacrifices. Discover how desperate nobles faced brutal conflicts while priests, armed with prophetic calendars, helplessly observed the unraveling of their world. It’s a gripping look at the complexities of societal decline and the haunting lessons of history.

World events keep derailing my civilization series! As a professional historian, I felt compelled to address the recent Rogan/Cooper podcast pushing the revisionist claim that Churchill was the villain of WWII who caused millions of deaths by refusing Hitler's peace offer. Let's examine what the historical evidence actually shows about this controversial take.--SPONSORS:NetSuite: More than 41,000 businesses have already upgraded to NetSuite by Oracle, the #1 cloud financial system bringing accounting, financial management, inventory, HR, into ONE proven platform. Download the CFO's Guide to AI and Machine learning: https://netsuite.com/102Shopify: Shopify powers millions of businesses worldwide, handling 10% of U.S. e-commerce. With hundreds of templates, AI tools for product descriptions, and seamless marketing campaign creation, it's like having a design studio and marketing team in one. Start your $1/month trial today at https://shopify.com/cognitiveClick here to make some cash for giving your opinion with YouGov: https://www.inflcr.co/SHLClThanks, YouGov, for sponsoring this video!--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:Liddle Hart's the Second World War 2Bloodlands by Timothy SnyderThe Rise and Fall of the Third Reich by ShirerWorld War 2 by ChildersMy Early Life by Winston ChurchillA History of the English Speaking Peoples after 1900 by Andrew RobertsA Military History of the Western World by JFC FullerThe Dictators by Richard OveryThe Rule of Empires by ParsonsTragedy and Hope by Carroll QuiggleyWar in Human Civilization by Azar GatThe World at War by ForsterIf the Allies had Fallen by ShowalterHistory's Greatest Wars by CumminsA History of Russia, Central Asia and Mongolia by David ChristianHonor by BowmanCynical Theories by James LindsayFire in the Minds of Men by BillingtonAtrocities by Matthew WhiteThe First World War 1 by John KeeganThe Second World War by John KeeganThe History of the English Speakings Peoples by Winston ChurchillAlbion's Seed by David Hackett Fischer15 Battles of History by Creasy

Explore the disarray within the left's political strategy amid rising tensions in the U.S. and the looming threat of violence. Discover the historical roots of leftist ideology and its emotional upheaval, especially in the wake of recent political shifts. The podcast dives into youth protests, critiquing their tactics and the suppression of dissent. It also examines the decline of leftist thought, focusing on mental health challenges among adherents. Ultimately, it reflects on creativity and resilience in the face of societal turmoil.

Beyond the Big Four Eurasian civilizations (Europe, India, Middle East, China) that dominated 90% of humanity, there existed a fifth major player—not a civilization, but its opposite. The Steppe produced history's greatest conquerors despite having 1/100th the population and no cities or formal religions. These nomadic warriors influenced world history as much as any civilization, creating an anti-civilization power that repeatedly brought empires to their knees. The ultimate historical paradox: how could Mongolia conquer China with 1% of its population?--SPONSORS:NetSuite: More than 41,000 businesses have already upgraded to NetSuite by Oracle, the #1 cloud financial system bringing accounting, financial management, inventory, HR, into ONE proven platform. Download the CFO's Guide to AI and Machine learning: https://netsuite.com/102Shopify: Shopify powers millions of businesses worldwide, handling 10% of U.S. e-commerce. With hundreds of templates, AI tools for product descriptions, and seamless marketing campaign creation, it's like having a design studio and marketing team in one. Start your $1/month trial today at https://shopify.com/cognitiveGo to https://ground.news/whatif to stay fully informed on every side of every story. Save 50% on unlimited access with their Vantage Plan through my link. It's their biggest sale of the year!--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:A History of Russia, Central Asia and Mongolia by David ChristianThe Invention of Yesterday by Tamim AnsaryEurope's Steppe Frontier 1500-1800 by McNeilPlagues and Peoples by McNeil Rise of the West by McNeilGenghis Khan and the making of the modern world by Jack WeatherfordThe Khan Trilogy by Khan Iggulden (fiction but is the best intro to Mongol history for lay people since the author does the research really well)A History of Warfare by John KeeganA History of Religious Ideas v 3 by Mircea EliadeWar and Peace and War by Peter TurchinFighting Techniques of the Oriental World by RiceWar in Human Civilization by Azar GatThe Soul of China by Amaury de RiencourtNomads and Crusaders by Archibald LewisWar! What is it Good for by Ian MorrisThe Evolution of Civilizations by Carroll QuiggleyWho We Are and How We Got Here by David ReichThe Tree of Culture by Ralph LintonThe Silk Road by Frankopan

Dive into a thought-provoking analysis of how 20th-century philosophies shape today’s beliefs about democracy and totalitarianism. Discover the intriguing connection between aging genes and societal structures, contrasting authoritarian and totalitarian regimes. Explore how democracy can breed mob mentality, while also investigating wokeness as a new form of emotional control. Historical insights on political systems reveal the hidden totalitarian traits lurking within modern democracies, drawing surprising parallels to the chaos of the past.

Explore the intricate dance of perception and reality in political contexts, where flaws are projected onto others. Delve into how industrial society erodes individuality despite the facade of human rights. Discuss the cultural shifts globalization initiates, often at the cost of deeper life meanings. Examine the prevalent isolation and emotional disconnection in modern life, along with a critique of contemporary moral codes. Finally, reflect on the contradictions of modernity and the existential despair it fosters, encouraging a return to authentic human experiences.

Explore how modern ambition intertwines with technology and personal evolution. Dive into the pervasive unhappiness gripping society and the quest for meaning amid cultural identity crises. Analyze how myths shape self-perception and challenge ingrained ideologies for true psychological freedom. Reassess the roots of depression, exposing societal influences over chemical imbalances. Confront the identity crisis and rising nihilism, urging a deeper understanding of societal changes and their implications for all.