Civilization Theory
A grand‑narrative approach that traces the life‑cycle of human societies from birth to decay. Jiang’s “Civilization” lectures argue that civilizations are driven not just by economics or technology, but by the unifying power of transcendent beliefs—religions, ideologies, and cultural myths. When those beliefs erode, the society loses its cohesion and eventually collapses. It’s a sweeping, philosophical take on why some cultures last millennia and others flame out in centuries.
“Civilization Theory says the West is in its ‘late‑imperial’ phase: too much bureaucracy, not enough faith, and a looming demographic winter. Time to reread Gibbon and pray for a renaissance.”
Civilization Theory by Abzugal January 24, 2026
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