In an era of escalating crises—from pandemics and climate change to the rapid advancement of AI—many are questioning the resilience of our civilization. Yet history and science reveal a different story: time and again, humans have faced existential threats and found ways to survive and adapt. Drawing on evolutionary psychology, brain science, and game theory, cooperation theorist Athena Aktipis explores how our deep-seated abilities to cooperate, innovate, and even find joy in adversity have sustained us in the past—and can do so again. Aktipis will also share insights from The Apocalypse Roadshow, an alternative book tour that has taken these ideas on the road—from the bars of Route 66 to the lecture halls of Harvard —through music, storytelling, and community-building. With a bit of live music and interactive audience participation, The Apocalypse Roadshow offers a hopeful, engaging, and interdisciplinary take on how we can navigate an uncertain future together.
