"WhatifAlthist" | World History, Philosophy, Culture

Looking back at my "normie" teenage self, I see how far down the rabbit hole I've fallen. Every few years brings another paradigm-destroying realization separating me further from conventional understanding. This third consecutive reality-shattering episode might finally give you words for truths you've always sensed intuitively—or seem so unbelievable you'll dismiss it entirely. Yet the strangest things in science fiction pale compared to actual reality when you know where to look.--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/cognitiveUse WHATIF to get 55% off your first month at Scentbird https://sbird.co/3OEwK0PThis month I received...Atlas by TUMI https://sbird.co/3OCw0tlJardins de Misfah by Une Nuit Nomade https://sbird.co/3HVNz3yOud Gaiac by Sentier https://sbird.co/48b1Yn9--LINKS:History 102:    / @history102-qg5oj  Link to Pluribus. Cancellation Insurance-https://becomepluribus.com/creators/20Link to my podcast-   / @commonground-qg5oj  Link to my Twitter-https://twitter.com/whatifalthist?ref...Link to my Instagram-https://www.instagram.com/rudyardwlyn...--Bibliography:The Gateway Report by Robert MonroeJourneys out of the Body by Robert MonroeFar Journeys by Robert MonroeUltimate Journey by Robert MonroeStalking the Wild Pendulum by Itzak BentowThe Concscious Universe by Dean RadinThe Sacred History by Mark BoothA Secret History of the World by Mark BoothHow God becomes Real by LurhmannThe Web of Meaning by Jeremy LentRecapture the Rapture by Jamie WhealThe Eye of Shiva by Amaury de RiencourtThe Soul of India by Amaury de RiencourtForgotten Truth by Houston SmithReligions of the World by Houston SmithMere Christianity by CS LewisThe Great Divorce by Charles TaylorA Brief History of Time by Stephen HawkingThe Master and His Emissary by Ian McGhilchristA Secular Age by Charles TaylorSpiral Dynamics by Ken Wilbur

This revelation completely transformed my daily existence. Like the famous optical illusion where some see an old woman while others see a young one, reality contains multiple interpretations—but only one is correct. Even among the highly educated and intelligent, almost nobody knows this information. By the end, you'll experience the equivalent of a movie's plot twist that retroactively changes EVERYTHING you thought you understood about the world we inhabit.--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 the link for Raycon below: http://buyraycon.com/WHATIFALTHIST--LINKS:Link to Pluribus. Cancellation Insurance-https://becomepluribus.com/creators/20Link to my podcast-   / @commonground-qg5oj  Link to my Twitter-https://twitter.com/whatifalthist?ref...Link to my Instagram-https://www.instagram.com/rudyardwlyn...--Bibliography: Universe 25 itselfThe Righteous Mind by John HaidtSociobiology by EO WilsonEnvy by Helmut SchoeckThe Human Zoo by Desmond MorrisThe Secret of our Success by Joseph HeinrichThe Naked Ape by Desmond MorrisThe Laws of Human Nature by Robert GreeneBehave by SapolskyThe Conscious Universe by Dean RadinNihilism by Seraphin RoseThe Unabomber's ManifestoWar, Peace and War by Peter TurchinA Conflict of Visions by Thomas SowellCynical Theories by James LindsayLost Connections by Johann HariStolen Focus by Johann HariEvil by BaumeisterThe Master and His Emissary by McGhilcrhistThe Ascent of Humanity by EisensteinGuide to Late Antiquity by Peter BrownThe Lonely Crowd by David RiesmanThe Fate of Empires by HubbardTragedy and Hope by Carroll QuiggleyThe Madness of Crowds by Douglas MurrayWoke Racism Trump and a Post Truth World by Ken WilberWoke Racism by John McWhorterThe Coddling of the American Mind by Jon Haidt

I've predicted American civil war since 2020, but what once seemed distant historical speculation has become immediate reality. Political LARPing always precedes actual conflict—until suddenly the costumes become uniforms. Texas rejecting federal authority, states sending troops to borders, removing candidates from ballots—these unprecedented actions mirror 1860 exactly. Violence will likely erupt within the year, potentially before the 2024 election even occurs.--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/cognitiveCheck out Tacen with https://www.tacen.exchange or   / discord  Content related to Project TXA and Tacen Exchange is being provided to you for informational purposes only. Nothing discussed in this video is intended to be investment advice. This content, and any information contained therein, does not constitute a recommendation by Project TXA or Tacen Exchange to buy, sell or hold any security, financial product or instrument referenced in the content--LINKSLink to Pluribus. Cancellation Insurance-https://becomepluribus.com/creators/20Link to my podcast-   / @commonground-qg5oj  Link to my Twitter-https://twitter.com/whatifalthist?ref...Link to my Instagram-https://www.instagram.com/rudyardwlyn...--Bibliography:Ages of Discord by Peter TurchinThe Coming Caesars by Amaury de RiencourtThe Storm before the Calm by George FriedmanLeviathan and its Enemies by Samuel FrancisThe True Believer by Eric HofferWoke Racism by John McWhorterThe Economics of Discontent by John Michel PaulRegime Change by Patrick DeneenLong Cycles by GoldsteinThe Great Wave by David Hackett FiscerA History of Western warfare v.2 by JFC FullerBattle Cry of Freedom by James McFersonStand on Zanzibar by John BrunnerGenerations by Strauss and HoweA Conflict of Visions by Thomas SowellSecular Cycles by Peter TurchinEnd Times by Peter TurchinThe Proud Tower by Barbara TuchmanThe First World War by John KeeganThe Master and His Emissary by McGhilchristThe World After Liberalism by Matthew RoseThe Righteous Mind by John HaidtNight by Elie WieselChina by John KeayTrump and the Post Truth World by Ken Wilbur

The discussion kicks off with a critique of the belief in China's inevitable global dominance, hinting at potential internal revolts. It dives into the nation's demographic issues, including an aging population and gender imbalance, fueling disillusionment among the youth. The return to Maoist practices under Xi Jinping raises concerns about social control and militarization. Tensions with Taiwan are also examined as possible flashpoints, alongside urban discontent and rural perspectives that highlight the disconnect between the Communist Party and the populace.

The discussion kicks off with architecture reflecting civilization, contrasting medieval and modern styles. It explores the evolution from religious to humanistic ideologies and critiques the disconnect of modern elites from cultural roots. The rise of managerial states and the illusion of superiority over history are examined, alongside the complexities of social planning. Additionally, the parallels between ancient Gnostic beliefs and modern ideologies shed light on societal decay. Emphasis is placed on reevaluating community roles to combat loneliness in an era marked by burnout and disillusionment.

America and Iran have repeatedly approached the brink of war—from the Soleimani assassination that triggered Iranian missile strikes to the Stuxnet cyberattack on Iran's nuclear program. These tensions have simmered for decades without erupting into full-scale conflict. This analysis of a potential US-Iran war delivers surprising conclusions about who would actually prevail in this long-anticipated Middle Eastern showdown.--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/cognitivehttps://www.piavpn.com/Whatifalthist to get 83% off Private Internet Access with 4 months free!--LINKS:Link to Pluribus. Cancellation Insurance-https://becomepluribus.com/creators/20Link to my podcast-   / @commonground-qg5oj  Link to my Twitter-https://twitter.com/whatifalthist?ref...Link to my Instagram-https://www.instagram.com/rudyardwlyn...--Bibliography:On Grand Strategy by John Lewis GaddisDisunited Nations by Peter ZeihanHow to Make War by James F DunniganWorld Order by Henry KissingerThe Best of Times and the Worst of Times by Michael BurleighA Generation of Sociopaths by Bruce Cannon GibneyThe New Map by Dan YerginA Quick and Dirty Guide to War by James F DunniganThe Second World War by Lidell HartA History of Western Warfare by JFC FullerDestiny Disrupted by Tamim AnsaryThe Revenge of Geography Robert KaplanPrisoners of Geography Tim MarshallSilk Roads by Peter FrankopanThe Rise of the West by William McNeilInside Asia by John Gunther

The brutality of Hamas's recent attack on Israel and the subsequent fighting has the world holding its breath. Though Israel itself is tiny—just the size of New Jersey—it stands at a geopolitical crossroads reminiscent of Bosnia before WWI. This episode examines whether this localized conflict could trigger the chain reaction of alliances that plunges our interconnected world into another global war.--SPONSORSNetSuite: 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/cognitiveGet 50% off your first order of CookUnity meals — go to https://cookunity.com/whatif50 and use my code WHATIF50 at checkout to try them out for yourself! Thanks to CookUnity for sponsoring this video!--LINKSLink to Pluribus. Cancellation Insurance-https://becomepluribus.com/creators/20Link to my Twitter-https://twitter.com/whatifalthist?ref...Link to my Instagram-https://www.instagram.com/rudyardwlyn...--Bibliography:The New Map by Dan YerginThe Human Tide by Paul MorelandThe First World War by John KeeganLong Cycles by GoldsteinThe Great Wave by David Hackett FischerAges of Discord by Peter TurchinThe Economics of Discontent by Jean Michel PaulThe Next 100 Years by George FriedmanA Secular Age by Charles TaylorThe World in Conflict by John AndrewsThe Global Crisis by Geoffrey ParkerThe Military Revolution by Geoffrey ParkerDisunited Nations by Peter ZeihanThe End of the World is Just the Beginning by Peter ZeihanThe Accidental Superpower by Peter ZeihanThe Best of Times and the Worst of Times by Michael BurleighA Quick and Dirty Guide to War by James DunniganDestined for War by Graham AllisonWar, What is it Good for by Ian MorrisDestiny Disrupted by Tamim AnsaryThe Invention of Yesterday by Tamim AnsaryWorld Order by Henry KissingerPrisoners of Geography by Tim MarshallGlobal Catastrophes and Trends by Vaclav SmilAsia's Cauldron by Robert Kagan

With several brutal wars raging and more potentially imminent, formerly "decent" people are turning into bloodthirsty sharks. This episode examines history's most devastating conflicts using Matthew White's meticulously researched "Atrocities"—data respected across the political spectrum. Blood transcends political bias, revealing how Eurocentric our historical education is. When countries are bucking toward war, only perspective keeps us from getting thrown.--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/cognitiveStart your FREE scan for data brokers that are hoarding your personal info:https://www.optery.com/protect-your-p...--Bibliography:Atrocities by Matthew WhiteBloodlands by Timothy SnyderA History of China by John KeayThe First World War by John KeeganA History of the Second World War by Liddell HartPlagues and Peoples by McNeilOur Oriental Heritage by Will DurantA History of China by Wolfram EberhardAutumn in the Heavenly Kingdom by Steven R. PlattThe Cambridge Illustrated History of ChinaWar, Peace and War by Peter Turchinthe Later Roman Empire by BuryA Guide to Late Antiquity by Peter BrownHistory's Greatest Wars by CumminsTragedy and Hope by Carroll QuiggleyA History of Russia, Mongolia and Central Asia by David ChristianWar in Human Civilization by Azar GatThe 30 Years War by Peter WilsonThe Military Revolution by Geoffrey ParkerThe General Crisis by Geoffrey ParkerAfrica by John ReaderAfrican History by Basil DavidsonInglorious Empire by Sashi TharoorEurope: A History by Norman DaviesThe Soul of India by Amaury de RiencourtDestiny Disrupted by Tamim AnsarySecular Cycles by Peter TurchinGenerations of Captivity by BerlinThe Story of the Americas by Leland Dewitt Baldwin

History's deadliest threats always arrive from unexpected dimensions. While we've conquered biological plagues, our society faces something equally devastating but largely unrecognized: a mental health catastrophe of Black Death proportions. This silent epidemic is already underway, potentially halving world population through indirect effects. The signs were always there in historical records—we just didn't know where to look. This may prove the defining catastrophe of our era.--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/cognitiveCheck out Softwarekeep here and use the coupon code WhatifAlthist20 https://softwarekeep.com/bestsellers?...--Bibliography:A Secular Age by Charles TaylorLost Connections by Johann HariStolen Focus by Johann HariThe Happiness Hypothesis by John HaidtThe Coddling of the American Mind by John HaidtThe Culture of Narcissism by LaschThe Master and His Emissary by McGhilChristForgotten Truth by Houston SmithEvil by BaumeisterTrauma and the Soul by KalschedThe Inner World of Trauma by KalschedThe True Believer by Eric HofferEnvy by Helmut SchoeckThe Knowledge Machine by StrevensThe Web of Meaning by Jeremy LentSeculosity by David ZahlThe World's Religions by Huston SmithStrange Rites by BurtonLineages of Modernity by Todd ImmanuelThe Past is a Future Country by Edward DuttonSpiteful Mutants by Edward DuttonThe Lonely Crowd by David RiesmanEmpty Planet by Darrell BrickerDisunited Nations by Peter ZeihanSecular Cycles by Peter Turchin by David Hackett Fischer

Like fish unable to see the water they swim in, we're blind to Christianity's total transformation of Western society. Even our most "original" philosophies only make sense within Christian frameworks. This is the perfect moment to examine this influence—as Britain, Australia, and Netherlands become minority-Christian for the first time in 2,000 years. Christianity asks the least of societies yet paradoxically transforms them more profoundly than any other religion.--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/cognitiveSign up for Domain Money today https://dmnmny.co/whatifalthistDisclaimers here-https://www.domainmoney.com/t/terms-o...--Bibliography: Dominion by Tom HollandThe WEIRDest people in the World by Joseph HeinrechThe Sorrows of the Ancient Romans by Carlin BartonThe Decline of the West by Oswald SpenglerThe Coming Caesars by Amaury de RiencourtSex and Power in History by Amaury de RiencourtA History of the Jews by Paul JohnsonA Guide to Late Antiquity by Peter BrownThrough the Eye of a Needle by Peter BrownA Secular Age by Charles TaylorMere Christianity by CS LewisThe Screwtape Letters by CS LewisThe Immortality Key by Brian MurareskuReligions of the World by Houston SmithA Secret History of the World by Mark BoothThe Sacred History by Mark BoothReason, Faith and the Struggle for Western Civilization by Sam GreggThe 3D Gospel by Jason GeorgesSeven Types of Atheism by John GrayThe Invention of Yesterday by Tamim AnsaryTragedy and Hope by Carroll QuiggleyEnvy by Hemult SchoeckDynasty by Tom HollandDebt a 5,000 Year History by David GraeberThe Evolution of Civilizations by Carroll QuiggleyMillennium by Ian MortimerCaesar and Christ by Will DurantThe Age of Faith by Will DurantThe Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire by Edward GibbonRise, Fall and Rise by Peter TurchinThe Next 100 Years by Philippe Fabry