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: 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: NETSUITE | SHOPIFY | ORACLE More than 40,000 businesses have already upgraded to NetSuite by Oracle, the #1 cloud financial system bringing accounting, financial management, inventory, HR, into ONE proven platform. If you're looking for an ERP platform, get a one-of-a-kind flexible financing program on NetSuite: https://netsuite.com/zen - Download your free CFO's guide to AI and machine learning. Shopify is the world's leading e-commerce platform, offering a market-leading checkout system Shoppay and exclusive AI apps. Nobody does selling better than Shopify. Get a $1 per month trial at https://shopify.com/momentofzen Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI): Oracle's next-generation cloud platform delivers blazing-fast AI and ML performance with 50% less for compute and 80% less for outbound networking compared to other cloud providers. OCI powers industry leaders like Vodafone and Thomson Reuters with secure infrastructure and application development capabilities. New U.S. customers can get their cloud bill cut in half by switching to OCI before March 31, 2024 at https://oracle.com/cognitive 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 – HIGHLIGHTS: The Axial Age & Strange Parallels The Role of Urbanization & Coinage Theocracies & Devolving Religion The Rise of Universal Religions Religious Revival & Modern Science Communism as a Religion & String Theory The Impact of Coinage & Breakdown of Social Relationships Social Instability & Moral Dilemma Innovation & Renewal Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle: The Search for Spiritual Truth India: The Rise of Jainism and Buddhism Confucius, Taoism, and the Stability of China The Spiritual Bank Account Misunderstandings and the Importance of Understanding the Axial Age – 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices