The Great Simplification with Nate Hagens

The Past and Future of Societal Collapse: Why Civilizations Fall and What We Can Learn From It with Luke Kemp

Published: September 24, 2025

Duration: 2:15:58

For many people today, the idea of societal collapse is unimaginable. Yet history shows that well-established civilizations have fallen again and again – often for similar reasons. In fact, the same forces that build empires can also culminate in their downfall. How can understanding these historical patterns help us prepare for similar existential risks we may already be facing today? 

In this episode, Nate is joined by existential risk researcher Luke Kemp to explore the intricate history of societal collapse – connecting patterns of dominance hierarchies, resource control, and inequality to create societies which he calls Goliaths. Together, they delve...

The Past and Future of Societal Collapse: Why Civilizations Fall and What We Can Learn From It with Luke Kemp - The Great Simplification with Nate Hagens