Axial Age: History's Turning Point

In this episode of History 102, WhatifAltHist creator Rudyard Lynch and Erik Torenberg dive deep into the Axial Age, a transformative time that birthed new philosophies and religions. Uncover the surprising link between the invention of coinage, explore the decline of traditional religions, and discover the reasons why people sought new spiritual paths in 500 BC. 🔥 Apply to join over 400 founders and Execs in the Turpentine Network: https://hmplogxqz0y.typeform.com/to/JCkphVqj -- RECOMMENDED PODCAST: 🎙️ Second Opinion - A new podcast for health-tech insiders from Christina Farr of the Second Opinion newsletter. Join Christina Farr, Luba Greenwood, and Ash Zenooz every week as they challenge industry experts with tough questions about the best bets in health-tech. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1759267211 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0A8NwQE976s32zdBbZw6bv - Complex Systems with Patrick McKenzie Patrick McKenzie (@patio11) talks to experts who understand the complicated but not unknowable systems we rely on. You might be surprised at how quickly Patrick and his guests can put you in the top 1% of understanding for stock trading, tech hiring, and more. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Mos4VE3figVXleHDqfXOH Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/complex-systems-with-patrick-mckenzie-patio11/id1753399812 – SPONSOR: BEEHIIV | BABBEL Head to Beehiiv, the newsletter platform built for growth, to power your own. Connect with premium brands, scale your audience, and deliver a beautiful UX that stands out in an inbox. 🐝 to https://Beehiiv.com and use code “MOZ” for 20% off your first three months 🌐 Ready to achieve your 2024 goals? Start learning a new language with Babbel in just three weeks. Enjoy app lessons, live classes, and podcasts designed for real-world conversations. Get up to 60% off at babbel.com/torenberg This show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at [email protected]. – RELATED EPISODES: Ancient India: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ancient-india/id1730633913?i=1000656237395 Ancient China: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ancient-china/id1730633913?i=1000657394929 – FOLLOW ON X: @whatifalthist (Rudyard) @eriktorenberg (Erik) @TurpentineMedia – TIMESTAMPS: (00:00) Introduction & Overview (01:06) The Axial Age & Strange Parallels (03:31) The Role of Urbanization & Coinage (04:49) Theocracies & Devolving Religion (08:15) The Rise of Universal Religions (11:18) Religious Revival & Modern Science (13:00) Communism as a Religion & String Theory (14:58) The Impact of Coinage & Breakdown of Social Relationships (15:02) Sponsor: beehiiv | Babbel (18:53) Social Instability & Moral Dilemma (22:05) Innovation & Renewal (27:49) Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle: The Search for Spiritual Truth (37:24) India: The Rise of Jainism and Buddhism (47:00) Confucius, Taoism, and the Stability of China (52:00) The Spiritual Bank Account (57:10) Misunderstandings and the Importance of Understanding the Axial Age (58:33) Book Recommendations (59:35) Wrap – BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS: Religions of the World by Huston Smith: A comprehensive overview of major world religions Philosophic Teachings That All World Religions Share by Huston Smith: Explores common themes across religions Debt by David Graeber: Discusses the economic history of credit and coinage History of Western Philosophy by Bertrand Russell: Provides a detailed account of Greek philosophy The Great Transformation by Karen Armstrong: A comprehensive study of the Axial Age