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The Last Myth: What the Rise of Apocalyptic Thinking Tells Us about America
During the first dozen years of the twenty-first century--from Y2K through 2012--apocalyptic anticipation in America has leapt from the margins of society and into the mainstream. Today, nearly 60 percent of Americans believe that the events foretold in the book of Revelation will come true. But it's not just the Christian Right that is obsessed with the end of the world; secular readers hungry for catastrophe have propelled fiction and nonfiction books about peak oil, global warming, and the end of civilization into best-sellers, while Doomsday Preppers has become one of the most talked-about new reality TV shows on television. How did we come to live in a culture obsessed by the belief that the end is nearly here?
The Last Myth explains why apocalyptic beliefs are surging within the American mainstream today. Tracing the development of our expectation of the end of the world from the beginnings of history through the modern era, and examining the global challenges facing America today, authors Mathew Barrett Gross and Mel Gilles combine history, current events, and psychological and cultural analysis to reveal the profound influence of apocalyptic thinking on America's past, present, and future.
Engaging, powerful, and insightful, The Last Myth will change the way you look at the world--and its end.
"The Last Myth is book of ideas born out of this moment in time... This book is one that should be brought to the dinner table for lively and transformative conversation with family and friends. At a time when so much separates us ideologically, these ideas can unite us in our understanding that the only end of the world we really need to fear is the end of our imagination."
--Terry Tempest Williams, author of When Women Were Birds and The Open Space of Democracy
The Last Myth explains why apocalyptic beliefs are surging within the American mainstream today. Tracing the development of our expectation of the end of the world from the beginnings of history through the modern era, and examining the global challenges facing America today, authors Mathew Barrett Gross and Mel Gilles combine history, current events, and psychological and cultural analysis to reveal the profound influence of apocalyptic thinking on America's past, present, and future.
Engaging, powerful, and insightful, The Last Myth will change the way you look at the world--and its end.
"The Last Myth is book of ideas born out of this moment in time... This book is one that should be brought to the dinner table for lively and transformative conversation with family and friends. At a time when so much separates us ideologically, these ideas can unite us in our understanding that the only end of the world we really need to fear is the end of our imagination."
--Terry Tempest Williams, author of When Women Were Birds and The Open Space of Democracy
254 pages, Paperback
First published March 6, 2011
12 people are currently reading
878 people want to read
About the author
Mathew Barrett Gross
2 books15 followersMathew Barrett Gross "rewrote the rules of presidential politics" as the director of Internet Communications for Howard Dean's groundbreaking 2003-2004 presidential campaign. Highly regarded as a new media strategist, he has consulted for numerous political campaigns, advocacy organizations, and global NGOs, and has been profiled in the Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal, the Boston Globe, and Fast Company. A former rock drummer and river guide, he lives in Moab, Utah.
Websites: http://LastMyth.com and http://facebook.com/theLastMyth
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http://twitter.com/mathewgross
Websites: http://LastMyth.com and http://facebook.com/theLastMyth
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
March 26, 2012
This book came to me through the wonderful Goodreads First Reads program! Thank you to the authors and to Goodreads!
The first half of this book deals with the history of a question I have wondered about. How did we get to become a society fascinated with the end of the world? Is it our nature to always get to the end of things or what? There had to be a point where our thinking and reasoning changed, and this book explains how that came to be. It also looking into how the last decade has become a sort of apocalyptic decade.
I will give the authors plenty of credit when it comes to research and explanation of things as simple as Kellogg's cereal and the connection to apocalyptic thinking. (no spoilers here, you want to know that one, get the book).
The last half of the book takes on a different take than I expected. I thought maybe it would look at Y2K and the Mayan calendar or a comet to point out our possible demise. Instead the authors took a profound and deep look at current thinking in the American mind.
I will say the last half of the book while laid out extremely well... will remind some of Al Gore's book, movies, and thoughts. If you are a Republican you may be upset by some of the things written, even Democrats will not unscathed through the chapters. Even myself, being a news producer, took a few jabs. While I am not one who looks to write breathlessly about the next pandemic or the next country sending us into World War III, I will say the same is not true about all stations, networks, or producers. So to the authors point taken, and there is a lot to be taken away from this book.
If you're looking for a tell how the Mayans are going to end all of this in 2012... look elsewhere. If you're looking for a book that takes a very interesting look at where we are in American society, give it a read. It's only about 200 pages and a very quick read.
The first half of this book deals with the history of a question I have wondered about. How did we get to become a society fascinated with the end of the world? Is it our nature to always get to the end of things or what? There had to be a point where our thinking and reasoning changed, and this book explains how that came to be. It also looking into how the last decade has become a sort of apocalyptic decade.
I will give the authors plenty of credit when it comes to research and explanation of things as simple as Kellogg's cereal and the connection to apocalyptic thinking. (no spoilers here, you want to know that one, get the book).
The last half of the book takes on a different take than I expected. I thought maybe it would look at Y2K and the Mayan calendar or a comet to point out our possible demise. Instead the authors took a profound and deep look at current thinking in the American mind.
I will say the last half of the book while laid out extremely well... will remind some of Al Gore's book, movies, and thoughts. If you are a Republican you may be upset by some of the things written, even Democrats will not unscathed through the chapters. Even myself, being a news producer, took a few jabs. While I am not one who looks to write breathlessly about the next pandemic or the next country sending us into World War III, I will say the same is not true about all stations, networks, or producers. So to the authors point taken, and there is a lot to be taken away from this book.
If you're looking for a tell how the Mayans are going to end all of this in 2012... look elsewhere. If you're looking for a book that takes a very interesting look at where we are in American society, give it a read. It's only about 200 pages and a very quick read.
July 31, 2012
I wish I could rate this book higher. It addresses an important topic, and it’s helped me to rethink an unhealthy personal preoccupation. The authors clearly put a lot of thought into their subject, and their ideas could help readjust the focus of public discourse in the US at a time when we really need it. The central thesis here is that apocalyptic thinking has commandeered our psychological approach to a number of national and global challenges, and it leads us to obsess about moments yet to come when we should be considering trends that are manifest in the here and now. The authors structure a coherent argument for why this might be so, and although the historical exposition is overly simplistic, I found The Last Myth to be persuasive on the whole.
It’s a shame, then, that it contains such glaring flaws. Firstly, there’s a serious problem with the citations. I love the added depth that endnotes can provide, and this book has twenty pages of them. I was disgusted, however, to find that many of them refer to Wikipedia pages. It’s a mark of laziness or indifference, and it completely undermines the appearance of academic rigor. Worse yet, it calls into question all of the authors’ conclusions. Since they didn’t put forth the extra effort to verify the assertions they found in Wikipedia, I’m led to suspect that they didn’t fully examine their fundamental ideas and assumptions, either.
The second problem is the entirety of chapter six. After one hundred and fifty pages of a carefully constructed description of the convergence of Judeo-Christian eschatology and secular anxiety, the book takes an inexplicable rhetorical detour into a psychology theory of questionable relevance. The contents of chapter six have no substantial connection to the preceding text, and they are never mentioned again, although chapter seven includes a detailed summation of the rest of the book’s contents before heading into the conclusion.
The Last Myth is worth reading, despite those shortcomings. It pulls up short before delivering a firm recommendation for solving the problem, offering instead a vague sketch of the process by which it might be solved, and I have a vague suspicion that the text contains an ideological Trojan horse which I haven’t yet managed to identify. However, it offers food for thought, and it articulated important ideas that had remained inchoate in my own mind for far too long.
It’s a shame, then, that it contains such glaring flaws. Firstly, there’s a serious problem with the citations. I love the added depth that endnotes can provide, and this book has twenty pages of them. I was disgusted, however, to find that many of them refer to Wikipedia pages. It’s a mark of laziness or indifference, and it completely undermines the appearance of academic rigor. Worse yet, it calls into question all of the authors’ conclusions. Since they didn’t put forth the extra effort to verify the assertions they found in Wikipedia, I’m led to suspect that they didn’t fully examine their fundamental ideas and assumptions, either.
The second problem is the entirety of chapter six. After one hundred and fifty pages of a carefully constructed description of the convergence of Judeo-Christian eschatology and secular anxiety, the book takes an inexplicable rhetorical detour into a psychology theory of questionable relevance. The contents of chapter six have no substantial connection to the preceding text, and they are never mentioned again, although chapter seven includes a detailed summation of the rest of the book’s contents before heading into the conclusion.
The Last Myth is worth reading, despite those shortcomings. It pulls up short before delivering a firm recommendation for solving the problem, offering instead a vague sketch of the process by which it might be solved, and I have a vague suspicion that the text contains an ideological Trojan horse which I haven’t yet managed to identify. However, it offers food for thought, and it articulated important ideas that had remained inchoate in my own mind for far too long.
January 23, 2013
Just realized I never got around to reviewing this book. Now where did my copy that Goodreads First Reads sent me run off to? Ah. There it is.
Now this book claims that it talks about how Apocalyptic thinking has changed Western Culture, and how exactly that it came to be so prevalent. I don't think it very effectively tackled the first point.
However, I think that the theory behind the second point was fascinating. In our ancient past, "there was no such thing as novelty." Nothing that people did or thought was original, it was accepted that they were reliving lives of those that had come before them. Endings in their mythology was not the important parts of the myths, the important part of the myths was what came at the beginning or what came AFTER the ending, in a new beginning.
History, to these ancient people meant something entirely different. History repeated itself, and everything was cyclical. It wasn't until history became something we understood as novel and behind us, unrepeatable that apocalyptic thinking was even possible.
That part was fascinating. However, once I made it a third or so of the way through the book I felt like I was re-reading. Even the sentences seemed familiar. It had a copy-pasta feel to it. The book was interesting, but maybe it should have been way shorter, if they felt the need to repeat themselves.
Now this book claims that it talks about how Apocalyptic thinking has changed Western Culture, and how exactly that it came to be so prevalent. I don't think it very effectively tackled the first point.
However, I think that the theory behind the second point was fascinating. In our ancient past, "there was no such thing as novelty." Nothing that people did or thought was original, it was accepted that they were reliving lives of those that had come before them. Endings in their mythology was not the important parts of the myths, the important part of the myths was what came at the beginning or what came AFTER the ending, in a new beginning.
"...humanity's gaze was fixed on the creative center, rather than the end. Any ending would only result in rebirth and the recurrence of the creative cycle - so why be obsessed with it.
History, to these ancient people meant something entirely different. History repeated itself, and everything was cyclical. It wasn't until history became something we understood as novel and behind us, unrepeatable that apocalyptic thinking was even possible.
That part was fascinating. However, once I made it a third or so of the way through the book I felt like I was re-reading. Even the sentences seemed familiar. It had a copy-pasta feel to it. The book was interesting, but maybe it should have been way shorter, if they felt the need to repeat themselves.
July 21, 2012
This will go down as one of my favorite summer reads of 2012. Great insights and analysis on why apocalyptic thinking persist in the U.S. Apocalyptic thinking is embedded in the language and functions as a way to shut down cogent and intelligent analysis of any given crisis. Fear is the handmaiden of fascism while intellectual and sober discussion is the scourge of the oppressor. This book helps to deconstruct what is really going on spiritually and ideologically. The authors makes a strong argument for a return to the intelligence of our ancestors who concerned themselves with preserving oneness with nature, how humanity began not how it will all end. The writers begin with a history of apocalyptic thought dating it to the Israelites who split off and became apocalypse Jews. The contradictions of Jesus' apocalyptic preachings about the "kingdom of God is at hand...before this generation passes away". The folly of date-setting regarding the end of times and the rise of "the rapture" in the United States. It is, indeed, a must-read.
December 27, 2018
I see "The Last Myth" in Your Future
"The Last Myth" has earned its place alongside Philip Zimbardo's "The Time Paradox" and I.F. Clarke's "The Pattern of Expectation" as one of the best books on humanity's concept of the future. While its title promises an exploration of how apocalyptic thinking evolved, authors Mathew Barrett Gross and Mel Gilles also serve up answers to two other big questions: why did humanity change from thinking that time is circular to linear, and how has the idea of progress changed from the Renaissance through today? All three ideas are woven together in a compelling, jargon-free narrative that is -- no pun intended -- revelatory.
For example, there have been a number of points where people (granted, slowly) made a 180-degree change in how they think about time. In its earliest days, humanity interpreted life events as the forces of destruction seeking balance with the forces of creation. That changed into a concept of good continually battling evil. There was another period when people thought that every action was a repetition of what ancestors had done before them; there was nothing new under the sun. Over time, that opinion shifted to thinking each event is unprecedented and so history is leading us to some specific point, often utopian or dystopian in nature.
The authors wrap up their work by highlighting two alarming trends. The first is that apocalyptic thinking has hit levels in the past decade in America that haven't been seen worldwide in a thousand years. And second, the desire to view global events through an apocalyptical lens is clouding the ability to tackle real problems.
Suffice it to say, "The Last Myth" will be found educational and enjoyable by historians, futurists, and anyone who wants a fresh take on the concept of time itself.
"The Last Myth" has earned its place alongside Philip Zimbardo's "The Time Paradox" and I.F. Clarke's "The Pattern of Expectation" as one of the best books on humanity's concept of the future. While its title promises an exploration of how apocalyptic thinking evolved, authors Mathew Barrett Gross and Mel Gilles also serve up answers to two other big questions: why did humanity change from thinking that time is circular to linear, and how has the idea of progress changed from the Renaissance through today? All three ideas are woven together in a compelling, jargon-free narrative that is -- no pun intended -- revelatory.
For example, there have been a number of points where people (granted, slowly) made a 180-degree change in how they think about time. In its earliest days, humanity interpreted life events as the forces of destruction seeking balance with the forces of creation. That changed into a concept of good continually battling evil. There was another period when people thought that every action was a repetition of what ancestors had done before them; there was nothing new under the sun. Over time, that opinion shifted to thinking each event is unprecedented and so history is leading us to some specific point, often utopian or dystopian in nature.
The authors wrap up their work by highlighting two alarming trends. The first is that apocalyptic thinking has hit levels in the past decade in America that haven't been seen worldwide in a thousand years. And second, the desire to view global events through an apocalyptical lens is clouding the ability to tackle real problems.
Suffice it to say, "The Last Myth" will be found educational and enjoyable by historians, futurists, and anyone who wants a fresh take on the concept of time itself.
November 22, 2014
Matthew Gross paints an interesting picture of human history in this book. In particular, he argues that the major force in 21st century culture is the belief that the end is nigh. More accurately, what is driving, or stifling, our civilization is the belief that the future is both inevitable and cataclysmic. He swiftly blows through the rise of this belief in a fixed through the rise of the Judeo-Christian tradition. It is at this point that Gross seems to provide the least amount of research or originality for that matter. Nevertheless, his central thesis seems to stay intact as he points his readers to the more important narrative; the rise of the secular apocalypse. Whether it be Y2K, a super-volcanic eruption, an asteroid strike or global warming, Americans believe more than ever that we are heading down a path of destruction. We believe that what everyone else calls progress is actually regress and that in the end our worldview will be proven right. The 21st century has been populated by hundreds of millions of people daydreaming about the day when they will yell at their neighbor, "I told you so!"
While I think Gross rightly condemns modern evangelicals (as well as everyone else) for being far too passive in their attitudes toward the fate of the human race I think he is too quick to dismiss the Christian worldview as a whole. Christian teachings have been far more nuanced than simply saying God is sovereign and therefore all we can do is wait for coming judgment. Gross acknowledges this but again swiftly dismisses these theological innovations as intellectually awkward, if not completely incoherent. This does expose a fatal weak spot in Gross's narrative. Christian theologians have long expressed that God, while sovereign, works through people and is using His Church to build His kingdom. If God has structured His Church to help resolve the social ills of our time and strive to make an ever-better society, then we must do so, regardless of how God will ultimately bring about the fulfillment of His Kingdom on earth. I think Gross is ultimately right, we cannot afford to divorce ourselves from our ideals. If we believe God should reign on earth as He does in Heaven, we must bear the cross that comes with that ideal.
While I think Gross rightly condemns modern evangelicals (as well as everyone else) for being far too passive in their attitudes toward the fate of the human race I think he is too quick to dismiss the Christian worldview as a whole. Christian teachings have been far more nuanced than simply saying God is sovereign and therefore all we can do is wait for coming judgment. Gross acknowledges this but again swiftly dismisses these theological innovations as intellectually awkward, if not completely incoherent. This does expose a fatal weak spot in Gross's narrative. Christian theologians have long expressed that God, while sovereign, works through people and is using His Church to build His kingdom. If God has structured His Church to help resolve the social ills of our time and strive to make an ever-better society, then we must do so, regardless of how God will ultimately bring about the fulfillment of His Kingdom on earth. I think Gross is ultimately right, we cannot afford to divorce ourselves from our ideals. If we believe God should reign on earth as He does in Heaven, we must bear the cross that comes with that ideal.
June 14, 2012
This was a good, fast read, but I was expecting something a bit more from it. (Which perhaps points to the space it leaves open for another, more academic book of its kind.)
Some incredible factoids, some good research and thinking, but I think there's more work to be done.
The book focuses not so much on apocalyptic thinking or apocalyptic culture persay, but does a very good job of mapping apocalyptic thinking's rise, and links it with global history and trends about the belief of time. Instead of getting at culture, the authors ultimately try to point to some of the consequences of such thinking. Written from a very liberal (and welcome) point of view, they believe that apocalyptic responses to global problems and change (especially through and since the 90s, marked by the great growth of cable TV and cult conservative religions) is actually debilitating us--making us less apt to act in a concerted manner to address these problems, to change our ways of life, to right the ship, etc.
I think this is right, and a very good message to spread, but I'm still wondering about the actual "culture" of apocalysm, and how seemingly desperately it's tied to American-style late capitalism. It seems to me that it's deeply reflective of the guilt many Americans have from living so high on the hog for so long...and yet the answer to the many apocalyptic scares we create is to go out and SHOP MORE. It also seems to me that it's a response to the soul-deadening quality of late capitalism (ie, feeling that we are nothing but consumers), the digital age, and the incredible population growth all over the planet. It's most deeply a way of responding to a felt lack of individuality, I think. It's a way of making ourselves feel ultimately meaningful, for hoping for something different. I think it's also tied with a particular American culture of death/deathways...this might be the seed of a new project, if I can finish the first one!
Some incredible factoids, some good research and thinking, but I think there's more work to be done.
The book focuses not so much on apocalyptic thinking or apocalyptic culture persay, but does a very good job of mapping apocalyptic thinking's rise, and links it with global history and trends about the belief of time. Instead of getting at culture, the authors ultimately try to point to some of the consequences of such thinking. Written from a very liberal (and welcome) point of view, they believe that apocalyptic responses to global problems and change (especially through and since the 90s, marked by the great growth of cable TV and cult conservative religions) is actually debilitating us--making us less apt to act in a concerted manner to address these problems, to change our ways of life, to right the ship, etc.
I think this is right, and a very good message to spread, but I'm still wondering about the actual "culture" of apocalysm, and how seemingly desperately it's tied to American-style late capitalism. It seems to me that it's deeply reflective of the guilt many Americans have from living so high on the hog for so long...and yet the answer to the many apocalyptic scares we create is to go out and SHOP MORE. It also seems to me that it's a response to the soul-deadening quality of late capitalism (ie, feeling that we are nothing but consumers), the digital age, and the incredible population growth all over the planet. It's most deeply a way of responding to a felt lack of individuality, I think. It's a way of making ourselves feel ultimately meaningful, for hoping for something different. I think it's also tied with a particular American culture of death/deathways...this might be the seed of a new project, if I can finish the first one!
October 14, 2015
I wish I could give a book on this topic more than three stars, but this one is, in my opinion, poorly written.
Although the author does not intend to, he often confuses the reader about whether there is any difference between an imaginary apocalypse based on religion and a potential apocalypse based on human actions and scientific advances. Occasionally he makes this distinction clear, but more often than not, he does not.
He does make a strong case that American society is obsessed with the potential end of the world, more so than other modern cultures. This seems to stem from the advent of monotheism and the invention of the concept that there is a god who created everything and who judges the world and its human inhabitants. This apocalyptic thinking has taken deep root in the Christian religion where various sects see the 2nd coming of their savior with the physical end of the world (and possibly the rapture) as closely related chronologically. According to this book, before the advent of monotheism, time was viewed as circular and never-ending. (Reminds me of The Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan).
At any rate, religiously based apocalypse are constantly in the immediate future no matter how that future rolls into the past. Apocalyptic thinking based on science (population growth, ecological collapse, nuclear holocaust, global warming), on the other hand, are all issues that we as human beings cannot afford to ignore. They are disasters that we could potential avert due to our own actions. (It seems that a religious apocalypse can only be hastened by human actions). But, the book claims when it is speaking in a voice that can be understood, by equating these two types of disasters, we end up taking no action on those whose outcome we can potentially change.
At least that's what I think the book says.
Although the author does not intend to, he often confuses the reader about whether there is any difference between an imaginary apocalypse based on religion and a potential apocalypse based on human actions and scientific advances. Occasionally he makes this distinction clear, but more often than not, he does not.
He does make a strong case that American society is obsessed with the potential end of the world, more so than other modern cultures. This seems to stem from the advent of monotheism and the invention of the concept that there is a god who created everything and who judges the world and its human inhabitants. This apocalyptic thinking has taken deep root in the Christian religion where various sects see the 2nd coming of their savior with the physical end of the world (and possibly the rapture) as closely related chronologically. According to this book, before the advent of monotheism, time was viewed as circular and never-ending. (Reminds me of The Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan).
At any rate, religiously based apocalypse are constantly in the immediate future no matter how that future rolls into the past. Apocalyptic thinking based on science (population growth, ecological collapse, nuclear holocaust, global warming), on the other hand, are all issues that we as human beings cannot afford to ignore. They are disasters that we could potential avert due to our own actions. (It seems that a religious apocalypse can only be hastened by human actions). But, the book claims when it is speaking in a voice that can be understood, by equating these two types of disasters, we end up taking no action on those whose outcome we can potentially change.
At least that's what I think the book says.
October 21, 2012
I won this book through a Goodreads giveaway, and I really glad I did. This is not the type of book I typically pick up, but it was such an interesting read. This book is an easy-to-read investigation into the apocalyptic views that permeate the world today. It investigates the development of this way of thinking, as well as how it has shaped our decisions and responses to other areas of our lives. As a Christian, I found it particularly fascinating how religion affected and was affected by this apocalyptic thought, especially how Jesus's message fit in. Through reading this book, I realized how fully our society in integrated with this notion, and the ways it has blinded us. When you read history books, you often read about collapsed civilizations, or events in history and think, "How were they that stupid? Why didn't they see that coming?" and this book gave me some of those thoughts about our society and what we find important or how we deal with crises.
This book was really fascinating, and I would recommend it to anyone, for them to draw their own conclusions.
This book was really fascinating, and I would recommend it to anyone, for them to draw their own conclusions.
October 21, 2012
The Last Myth summarizes everything that we think would be the apocalypse from Western belief to Eastern belief. We as human being have a fascination regarding the End of Days from a religious stand to a mythical stand. We wonder about the what ifs.
The Bible's Revelations has spelled out how the world is going to end but there is no timeline as in when the world is going to end. The Mayan Calender gave us the timeline but why and how is questionable. Will the world ends on December 21, 2012?
Let look at the definition of apocalypse. In the dictionary, it defined the word as the last battle between good and evil. When the term apocalypse is applied, it means that there will be some sort of huge changes that will define the path of mankind as in starting over. If the date doesn't happen, we will have to wait and see. But if there is a major disaster, mankind has survived and preservered as we has seen throughout history from the enslavement of empires, diseases, famines, and natural disasters.
The Bible's Revelations has spelled out how the world is going to end but there is no timeline as in when the world is going to end. The Mayan Calender gave us the timeline but why and how is questionable. Will the world ends on December 21, 2012?
Let look at the definition of apocalypse. In the dictionary, it defined the word as the last battle between good and evil. When the term apocalypse is applied, it means that there will be some sort of huge changes that will define the path of mankind as in starting over. If the date doesn't happen, we will have to wait and see. But if there is a major disaster, mankind has survived and preservered as we has seen throughout history from the enslavement of empires, diseases, famines, and natural disasters.
May 9, 2012
I really liked this book. My favorite genres in fiction books are post apocalyptic and christian fiction mostly about the end of the world. This book definitely put my feet back on the ground when my imagination takes me somewhere else.
It touches on our thinking about the end of the world. It talked about the hysteria of Y2K and the dreaded Mayan 12/21/12 ending. They put everything in a perfect perspective. I always wondered where this whole apocalypse came about and it explains it's origin with the Judeo Christians.
I thought the book was starting to take a turn towards an environmental book half way through but as it gets explained why they go in that direction. It seems our reality is staring us in the face daily and we don't seem to notice. Will we do anything to change it or will we become a society that is described in history that died out? It still makes me think that our society will go out with a whimper rather then a bang.
Recommended
It touches on our thinking about the end of the world. It talked about the hysteria of Y2K and the dreaded Mayan 12/21/12 ending. They put everything in a perfect perspective. I always wondered where this whole apocalypse came about and it explains it's origin with the Judeo Christians.
I thought the book was starting to take a turn towards an environmental book half way through but as it gets explained why they go in that direction. It seems our reality is staring us in the face daily and we don't seem to notice. Will we do anything to change it or will we become a society that is described in history that died out? It still makes me think that our society will go out with a whimper rather then a bang.
Recommended
March 29, 2013
I read this book over just a couple days, I found it that interesting. The authors cover a lot of bases here, from the historical background that led to the societal mindshift that led to the first apocalyptic myths to the reasons why apocalyptic thinking is so prevalent in much of mainstream American society now. But these aren't just discrete points in human history; a thread ties them all together. What impressed me most, however, is how the authors went a step further in the modern-day discussion of apocalyptic thinking to address how this approach to life, the universe, and everything is affecting (and in most cases harming) not just the U.S. but the world as a whole. Also, the final chapter provides a useful summary of all the material in the book, once again tying the content together (the writer in me always appreciates a good conclusion).
January 8, 2013
I received this book for free from the Goodreads first-read giveaway. A very interesting book about the way mankind views the end of the world. It talks of different ways the world may end but mainly focuses on how we came to dwell so much on the apocalypse. What makes us think this way? Is it religion, climate change, the economy, ancient history, the atomic bomb, or something else?
Helpful hint: Get out your dictionary before you even start this one. I have never read a book that had so many words that I had never seen; much less knew what they meant.
Helpful hint: Get out your dictionary before you even start this one. I have never read a book that had so many words that I had never seen; much less knew what they meant.
October 4, 2012
Fascinating and reassuring, although I think the authors confuse complete physical destruction of the world with the collapse of civilization, and spend too much time scolding people for believing that the former is imminent when, in fact, I think more people are concerned about the latter, and the authors even acknowledge that the latter is far from rare. The book feels incomplete, but it is still worth the read if this is a subject that interests you.
September 3, 2012
I've dreamt about the apocalypse since I can remember. This book was very illuminating, but it could have been more concise. It was full of generalizations, and although the author seems to back up his claims, the sources are not always credible. Still, The Last Myth is worth a skim or speed-read! My dreams have changed already. :)
August 14, 2012
Now more than half way through & it is a book with some very good factiods & makes you think about the world ending - why are we a nation fascinated about the end of the world?
Long going in parts - but certainly gives you things to think about.
Long going in parts - but certainly gives you things to think about.
April 25, 2017
Terror management theory meets Saint John of Patmos
It is always the end of the world as we know it. How will we decide to feel? A laser focus with great breadth and depth. I need to read it twice more.
It is always the end of the world as we know it. How will we decide to feel? A laser focus with great breadth and depth. I need to read it twice more.
March 17, 2012
This book succinctly explains why I cringe every time I hear about "economic growth". An important book, easy to read - recommended to everyone.
October 16, 2012
Interesting
January 7, 2013
Interesting, detailed, insightful, well worth reading! I received this book in the Goodreads giveaway.
June 18, 2015
A comprehensive and thought provoking look at the Apocalypse, and the influence it has on our American worldview. Excellent!
December 31, 2015
This book deals with a very important topic. The authors have very clearly done a lot of research and are very committed to the topic but they start to get repetitive.
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