Is Doomsday Inevitable? A Shocking Look at 5,000 Years of History

2025-08-03 06:00:33.172

Dr. Luke Kemp, from Cambridge University's Centre for the Study of Existential Risk, believes self-termination is the most likely outcome for our global civilization. His new book examines over 400 societies across 5,000 years, revealing patterns of rise and collapse. He argues that while humans are fundamentally egalitarian, history is largely a story of 'Goliaths'—kingdoms and empires built on domination—fueled by grain surpluses, monopolized weaponry, and 'caged land'. These Goliaths, often surprisingly fragile, are ultimately undone by inequality, leading to infighting, corruption, and environmental degradation. Kemp points to the 'dark triad'—narcissism, psychopathy, and Machiavellianism—as prevalent traits in leaders who drive these collapses. While past collapses were often localized and even beneficial for ordinary citizens, a global collapse would be catastrophic due to nuclear weapons, interconnected systems, and unprecedented environmental threats. Kemp argues that avoiding collapse requires genuine democratic societies, wealth redistribution, and individual responsibility. He suggests curbing wealth, empowering citizen juries, and rejecting complicity with harmful industries. Though pessimistic about the future, Kemp advocates for defiance and fighting for a more just and equitable world.