Why Great Civilizations Fail? with Johan Norberg

Why Great Civilizations Fail? with Johan Norberg

Author: The Atlas Society December 3, 2025 Duration: 1:00:15

Join Atlas Society CEO Jennifer Grossman for the 279th episode of Objectively Speaking where she is joined by three-time returning guest Johan Norberg to talk about his latest book "Peak Human: What We Can Learn From History’s Greatest Civilizations," which explores the rise and fall of past societies to uncover the ideas, institutions, and innovations that fueled their success—and the mistakes that led to their decline.

Johan Norberg is a Cato Senior Fellow and the author and editor of more than 20 books that focus on globalization, human progress, and intellectual history. He previously joined The Atlas Society Asks to discuss his books "Open: The Story of Human Progress" and "The Capitalist Manifesto."


Tune in to The Atlas Society Presents-Objectively Speaking for a series of thoughtful conversations that explore the practical application of Ayn Rand's philosophy. This podcast, brought to you by The Atlas Society, moves beyond abstract theory to examine how the principles of reason, individualism, and achievement manifest in our daily lives, careers, and culture. Each episode features discussions that connect Objectivist ideas to contemporary issues in business, creative pursuits, and societal trends, offering a framework for navigating a complex world. You'll hear analyses that celebrate human potential and the power of the individual while critically examining opposing doctrines. The dialogue is grounded in Rand's works, from the monumental *Atlas Shrugged* to her incisive essays, treating Objectivism as the vital, life-affirming guide it was designed to be. Whether you're well-versed in the philosophy or newly curious, this podcast provides a space for open, reasoned exploration. It’s an invitation to consider how a commitment to rational self-interest and freedom can shape a flourishing life and a better society. Join the conversation to hear these ideas unpacked with clarity and depth.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 252

The Atlas Society Presents - Objectively Speaking
Podcast Episodes
How to Fight Wokism with Eric Kaufmann [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:56
Join Atlas CEO Jennifer Grossman for the 266th episode of Objectively Speaking, where she interviews returning guest Eric Kaufmann about his latest book, “The Third Awokening: A 12-Point Plan for Rolling Back Progressive…
How "Low Culture" Captured Politics with Ross Benes [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:37
What if the cultural quirks of the late ’90s weren’t just nostalgia, but the blueprint for today’s America? Join Atlas CEO Jennifer Grossman for the 265th episode of Objectively Speaking, where she interviews author Ross…
How to Be an Intentional Entrepreneur with Peter Worrell [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:30
Join Atlas CEO Jennifer Grossman for the 264th episode of Objectively Speaking, where she interviews returning guest Peter Worrell about his latest book “INTENTION: Unlocking The Lifeforce Inside High-Performing Entrepre…
The Lessons of Lockdowns with David Zweig [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:16
Join Atlas CEO Jennifer Grossman for the 263rd episode of Objectively Speaking, where she interviews journalist David Zweig about his book "An Abundance of Caution: American Schools, the Virus, and a Story of Bad Decisio…
How Tech Empowered the Populist Right with Martin Gurri [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:08
Join Atlas Society CEO Jennifer Grossman for the 262nd episode of Objectively Speaking, where she interviews former CIA analyst Martin Gurri about his book "The Revolt of the Public and the Crisis of Authority in the New…
How Do We Know Right From Wrong? with Zol Cendes [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:34
Join Atlas Society CEO Jennifer Grossman for the 261st episode of Objectively Speaking, where she interviews author Zoltan Cendes about his book "The Objectivist’s Guide to the Galaxy: Answers to the Ultimate Questions o…
Is Modern Environmentalism Anti-Human? with Robert Bidinotto [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:23
Join Atlas Society CEO Jennifer Grossman for the 259th episode of The Atlas Society Asks where she interviews author Robert Bidinotto about his new book "A Rebel In Eden: The War Between Individualism and Environmentalis…
Abe Lincoln's Enduring Legacy with Jonathan W. White [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:30
Join Atlas Society CEO Jennifer Grossman for the 258th episode of Objectively Speaking, where she interviews historian Jonathan W. White about his vast knowledge of Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War era as written in his…
Are We Overmedicating Our Kids? with Laura Delano [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:43
Join Atlas CEO Jennifer Grossman for the 258th episode of Objectively Speaking, where she interviews Laura Delano about her book "Unshrunk: A Story of Psychiatric Treatment Resistance," which tells the story of Delano’s…
Ayn Rand & Modern Libertarianism with Brian Doherty [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:48
Join Atlas Society CEO Jennifer Grossman for the 257th episode of Objectively Speaking where she interviews Brian Doherty about his new book "Modern Libertarianism: A Brief History of Classical Liberalism in the United S…