Prompt Cast
Parallels and Contrasts Between the 17th Century and the Present
TLDR The hosts discuss the similarities and differences between the 17th century and the present, including divisions, technological influence, religious fragmentation, and false narratives. They also recommend several books on the topic for further reading.
Timestamped Summary
00:00
The hosts discuss whether we are living through a 17th century moment with pestilence and statue smashing, and receive correspondence about the concept of greatness and who qualifies for it.
04:04
The hosts discuss the possibility of a civil war in the US, with the idea of red states breaking off and joining Canada, and the ongoing divisions between different parts of the country.
08:05
The hosts discuss the parallels and contrasts between the 17th century experience of plague and climate change and the current COVID-19 pandemic, noting that while the convulsions of the 21st century may be driven by climate change, the devastation of the 17th century was far worse.
11:44
The divisions and technological influence on society in the 17th century, particularly during the civil wars, parallel the divisions and influence of false information on social media today.
15:25
The fragmentation of religious beliefs in the 17th century, particularly after the execution of the king, led to the emergence of religious groups advocating for freedom of conscience and the expression of religious views, which foreshadows the future direction of the country.
19:05
The comparison between Oliver Cromwell and contemporary politicians like Theresa May and Jeremy Corbyn highlights the tendency for people to create false narratives and draw parallels between historical figures and current events.
22:29
The comparison between the political divisions of the 17th century and contemporary political divisions, such as Brexit, shows that there is no clear line of descent and that political allegiances can be confusing and muddled.
26:00
The comparison between the political divisions of the 17th century and contemporary political divisions, such as Brexit, shows that there is no clear line of descent and that political allegiances can be confusing and muddled.
30:01
The hosts recommend several books on the 17th century, including "Global Crisis" by Jeffrey Parker, "Providence Lost" by Paul Lay, "God's Englishman" by Christopher Hill, "The Diary of Samuel Pepys," and "An Instance of the Fingerpost" by Ian Pears.
Categories:
History
