HIGHLIGHTS: Johan Norberg

In this podcast episode, Nicolai Tangen interviews Johan Norberg, author of "Peak Human," about the rise and fall of golden ages. Norberg defines a golden age as a combination of cultural creativity, scientific discovery, technological innovation, and economic growth, often recognized in retrospect. He explains that golden ages typically end when societies shift from an "Athenian mindset" of exploration and learning to a "Spartan mentality" of protection, losing cultural self-confidence and the drive for new innovations. Norberg expresses concern that the current era, particularly in the West, shows signs of this shift due to global crises and increased polarization, which hinders openness to new ideas and critical self-assessment, potentially leading to a rapid decline if confidence in institutions and investment climates erodes.