Below you will find pages that utilize the taxonomy term “Civilizations-and-Collapse”

Chaos Theory of Human Hubris: From Jurassic Park to Afghanistan

Chaos theory teaches us that some systems are inherently unpredictable. From resurrecting dinosaurs to nation-building, understanding our limitations is vital. By studying biology, we can learn valuable lessons on these limits without having to face the real-world consequences of our hubris.

Thanos's Flawed Premise: A Deeper Look at Population and Resources

In 1798, the well-known economist Thomas Malthus predicted that population growth would inevitably lead to scarcity and political collapse. Yet, 227 years and a tenfold population increase later, we produce more food than we need. This post explores how we have repeatedly succeeded in outsmarting this dire prophecy and asks if we can continue to dodge the bolt.

Rent-Seeking, Complexity, and the Fall of Empires

Every dominant empire in history—from Song China to the British Empire—has peaked at a global economic share of roughly 15-25%. This post dives into the data and theories explaining this recurring ceiling, revealing how systems of growth inevitably turn into engines of decline.

The Ghost of Hari Seldon: Asimov's Foundation Revisited in the Light of Complexity Science

Explore how Isaac Asimov's psychohistory from Foundation anticipates modern complexity science, examining shared ideas and real-world limits.