The End Is Always Near: Humanity vs the Apocalypse, from the Bronze Age to Today
0
0
As an Amazon Associate and affiliate partner, Menrva Books earns from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Author Description
THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLERDo tough times create tougher people? Can humanity handle the power of its weapons without destroying itself? Will human technology ever peak or regress? And why, since the dawn of time, has it always seemed as though death and destruction are waiting just around the corner?Combining his trademark thrilling, expansive storytelling with rigorous history and thought experiment, Dan Carlin connects past with future to explore the tipping points of collapsing civilisations – from the plague to nuclear war.Looking across every brush with apocalypse, crisis and collapse, this book also weighs, knowing all we do about human patterns, whether our world is likely to become a ruin for future archaeologists to dig up and explore.FROM THE CREATOR OF THE AWARD-WINNING, 100+ MILLION DOWNLOAD PODCAST HARDCORE HISTORY
Menrva's Summary
THE THESIS
The End Is Always Near examines humanity's recurring fascination with and proximity to apocalyptic scenarios throughout history.
THE SCOPE MAP
- Explores historical instances of societal collapse and near-apocalyptic events, from the Bronze Age to modern times.
- Analyzes the cyclical nature of human civilization, questioning whether periods of hardship forge stronger societies.
- Investigates the potential for self-destruction through advanced weaponry, particularly nuclear capabilities.
- Considers the role of technology in both advancing and threatening human existence.
- Utilizes rigorous historical research and thought experiments to connect past crises with future possibilities.
- Assesses the likelihood of current civilization becoming a ruin for future archaeologists.
- Draws on the author's signature narrative style, known for its depth and engaging storytelling from the 'Hardcore History' podcast.
THE AUTHORITY PERSPECTIVE
Dan Carlin's 'The End Is Always Near' is lauded for its expansive historical scope and thought-provoking analysis of humanity's relationship with apocalypse. Readers and critics frequently highlight Carlin's unique ability to weave together complex historical events with speculative future scenarios, making potentially grim topics accessible and engaging. The book is often praised for its deep dives into past collapses and its examination of the psychological and societal factors that contribute to existential threats. Its reception is largely positive, with many appreciating its blend of historical scholarship and philosophical inquiry into human resilience and vulnerability.
Page Count:
288
Publication Date:
2020-09-03
Publisher:
William Collins
ISBN-10:
0008340951
ISBN-13:
9780008340957
Philosophy
Non-Fiction
History
Current Events
Civilization
World history
Community Tags
Similar Books
