Luke Kemp: The History and Future of Societal Collapse

Published in 1651, 'Leviathan' by Thomas Hobbes is a comprehensive treatise on political philosophy. The book is divided into four main parts: 'Of Man,' 'Of Commonwealth,' 'Of a Christian Commonwealth,' and 'Of the Kingdom of Darkness. ' Hobbes argues that the natural state of humans is one of conflict and anarchy, and that the best way to achieve peace and security is through the establishment of a commonwealth governed by an absolute sovereign. This sovereign, which Hobbes terms the 'Leviathan,' has supreme authority over all aspects of governance, including law, religion, and public offices. Hobbes' work is a foundational text in social contract theory and continues to influence political thought to this day.

Walter Scheidel's "The Great Leveler" examines the historical relationship between violence and inequality. The book argues that significant reductions in inequality have almost always been preceded by large-scale violent events. Scheidel identifies four key factors—mass-mobilization warfare, transformative revolutions, state collapse, and pandemics—as the primary drivers of wealth redistribution. He analyzes various historical periods, demonstrating how these catastrophic events have reshaped societal structures and wealth distribution. The book challenges conventional wisdom about economic development and inequality, suggesting that peaceful progress alone is insufficient to address deep-seated economic disparities.

This book provides a comprehensive history of societal collapse, tracing the evolution of human societies from egalitarian groups to dominance hierarchies. It explores how the rise of inequalities, extractive institutions, corruption, and over-expansion led to the downfall of various empires and societies. The author, Luke Kemp, discusses the current global 'Goliath' and its vulnerabilities, including climate change, nuclear weapons, and fragile supply chains, emphasizing the need for democratic control to prevent a final collapse.