Why do civilizations collapse? And is ours next? (with Samo Burja)
Clearer Thinking with Spencer Greenberg
Civilization Failures and Extractive Forces
Civilizations throughout history have ultimately failed, marked by technological regression, population decline, and wealth reduction. This pattern raises doubts about the uniqueness of contemporary civilizations. A key insight revolves around the loss of social capacities, which can impact a civilization's resilience. Additionally, two competing forces influence societal evolution: extractive forces, which siphon resources and wealth from individuals or communities, and growth forces, which foster productivity and advancement. The balance between these forces determines societal decline or progression, indicating that while the loss of social capacities and the impact of extractive forces are distinct concepts, they are interrelated and collectively affect the trajectory of civilization.
