"WhatifAlthist" | World History, Philosophy, Culture

Rudyard Lynch
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May 13, 2025 • 1h 1min

Explaining Native Mexican Civilization

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.
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Apr 21, 2025 • 1h 2min

Was Churchill a Villain?

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
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48 snips
Mar 17, 2025 • 58min

WTF is the Left Even Doing?

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.
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Mar 4, 2025 • 37min

Explaining Steppe Anti-Civilization

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
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23 snips
Feb 13, 2025 • 50min

We live in a Totalitarian Society

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.
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Feb 8, 2025 • 49min

The Politics of Dehumanization

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.
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26 snips
Dec 29, 2024 • 50min

Shatter the Glass of Modernity

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.
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Nov 15, 2024 • 1h 2min

A Live Conversation with Samo Burja

Samo Burja, founder of Bismarck Analysis and Palladium Magazine, discusses current political landscapes and their emotional nuances. He highlights how technology reshapes governance and free speech, drawing parallels to historical power dynamics. The conversation explores cultural shifts from the 2000s to today's dystopian atmosphere and examines the geopolitical echoes of the 1600s in modern crises. Burja also delves into societal disparities in major cities and the complex relationship between genetics and racism, revealing deeper insights into our present dynamics.
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Nov 1, 2024 • 1h 17min

A Message to Pennsylvanians

Growing up with Catholic/Protestant parents showed me how ideas shape reality—and why people throughout history die for them. As a child, I couldn't understand why someone would sacrifice their life for beliefs. Now I realize justice isn't just an abstract concept—it's what separates America from Argentina. Reading Orwell's 1984 as a teenager horrified me, watching its predictions materialize around us as wokeness creates the perfect pathway to totalitarianism.--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/cognitive
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5 snips
Nov 1, 2024 • 53min

Is Bureaucracy Killing Civilization?

Explore the warnings from early 20th-century thinkers about the collapsing civilization under the weight of bureaucracy. The discussion highlights the detrimental effects of modern governance on personal freedoms and societal health. Learn how historical philosophies reflect current political dynamics and the challenges posed by oppressive bureaucratic systems. The conversation also tackles the evolution of governance and the consequences of growing state control, revealing a pressing need for spiritual and intellectual revival in today's society.

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