Why people recommend it
Earth Abides by George R. Stewart is a classic post-apocalyptic science fiction novel that chronicles the collapse of human civilization following a devastating pandemic and the subsequent recovery of the natural world. On the Lex Fridman Podcast, economist Steve Keen recommended the novel during a discussion about humanity's ecological footprint and civilizational vulnerability. Keen described the narrative as a wonderful science fiction story about a world where human beings are nearly wiped out, leaving only a tiny band of survivors while the Earth slowly reasserts its dominance over abandoned infrastructure and empty landscapes. Returning to the recommendation toward the end of the conversation, Keen expressed his admiration for the book's profound atmosphere, telling the host that he would deeply appreciate its poetic and philosophical sense. The novel continues to resonate with readers and thinkers concerned with existential risk, environmental resilience, and the fragile, temporary nature of human dominance over planetary ecosystems.
Who recommended it
- Steve Keen Recommended
Steve Keen — 2 mentions
“and there's a wonderful science fiction book called the Earth abides about a world in which humans get wiped out there's only a tiny band left and then the Earth reasserts itself”
“you should really enjoy that book the Earth of odds because it's got that same beautiful sense to it”