The Possibility of Human Extinction with Samo Burja

This episode centers on the alarming issue of declining fertility rates worldwide, examining specific country examples such as Japan, South Korea, and Turkey, and the societal and technological implications of these demographic changes.

Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg explore potential interventions, such as tax breaks for families, and the possibility of extreme measures like state-managed reproduction programs. They also tackle cultural and economic factors influencing fertility and the urgency of addressing this underpopulation crisis to prevent civilizational collapse.


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TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro
(00:37) Demographic Challenges and Fertility Crisis
(02:16) Global Fertility Trends and Anomalies
(04:13) Fertility Bouncebacks
(07:58) The Impact of Modernity on Fertility
(09:59) The Unpredictability of Fertility
(13:51) The Hopelessness of the Situation
(14:12) Future Population Projections and Concerns
(17:05) Life Expectancy and Healthspan
(17:08) Sponsors: Givewell | DealCraft
(18:58) Life Expectancy and Healthspan continued
(21:48) Sponsors: Alts | Squad
(21:52) Potential Solutions and Interventions
(22:33) The Urgency of the Crisis
(29:13) The Case for Family Tax Breaks
(30:30) The Implications of Declining Fertility Rates
(33:17) Urbanization and Population Shifts
(35:32) The Future of Industrial Society
(37:29) AI and Human Extinction Scenarios
(41:02) Cultural and Political Dynamics of Fertility
(44:30) The Politics of Underpopulation
(50:05) Innovative Solutions to Population Decline
(57:46) The Ethics of Genetic Engineering
(59:06) Wrap