Human history, with all its complexities and advancements, can often feel like a straight line of progress. Yet, as philosopher and ethnobotanist Terrence McKenna suggests in his theory of the “Archaic Revival,” life and society are far from linear. Instead, they are cyclical, always returning to a state of earlier balance, no matter how far they advance. McKenna’s vision is one where history is not just a series of events progressing toward an undefined future but rather a continuous cycle of growth, peak, and return. In light of recent global events, one must wonder: Have we reached another peak in human civilization, only to now begin our inevitable descent toward a more fundamental way of living?
The Cyclical Nature of Civilization
McKenna’s “Archaic Revival” theory suggests that human societies, like the natural world, undergo cycles of growth and decline. These cycles are characterized by periods of rapid development and expansion, followed by a retreat to simpler, more balanced states. This cyclical nature is not new; it has been observed throughout history. The rise and fall of empires, the ebb and flow of cultural renaissances, and the recurring return to simpler ways of life all point to this enduring pattern. We can also see this in Taoist philosophy as the idea of yin and yang where opposing phenomena are represented – both always present, yet the amount of influence of each varies over time.
In the context of McKenna’s theory, our current global civilization can be seen as having reached a peak. The technological advancements, the proliferation of information, and the unprecedented interconnectedness of our world suggest that we are at a zenith of complexity, or getting close. However, this complexity is not sustainable indefinitely. According to McKenna, every peak is followed by a decline, a return to a more fundamental balance. This is not necessarily a negative outcome; rather, it is a natural and necessary part of the cycle.
We could point out many examples where civilizations reached a peak of development only to decline, often leading to a return to a more basic or balanced state of society. Here are a few notable examples:
1. Roman Empire
- Peak: The Roman Empire reached its height during the 2nd century CE under Emperor Trajan, encompassing vast territories across Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. Rome was a center of wealth, culture, military power, and advanced infrastructure.
- Decline: Over time, the empire faced various challenges, including economic troubles, political corruption, internal strife, and invasions by barbarian tribes. The Western Roman Empire ultimately fell in 476 CE, marking the end of ancient Rome’s dominance.
- Outcome: The fall of the Western Roman Empire led to the fragmentation of Europe into smaller, more localized kingdoms and the beginning of the Middle Ages, a period characterized by a return to simpler, agrarian societies.
2. Ancient Greek Civilization
- Peak: Ancient Greece reached its zenith during the 5th century BCE, particularly in Athens, which became a center of philosophy, democracy, art, and science. The Greeks also achieved military success, notably during the Greco-Persian Wars.
- Decline: The Peloponnesian War (431-404 BCE) between Athens and Sparta significantly weakened Greek city-states. Later, the rise of Macedon under Philip II and Alexander the Great marked the end of the independent Greek city-states as dominant powers.
- Outcome: After the death of Alexander, the Greek world fragmented into Hellenistic kingdoms, eventually leading to Greece’s absorption into the Roman Republic. Greek cultural influence persisted, but political power declined, leading to simpler, localized governance under Roman rule.
3. Mythical Atlantian Civilization
- Peak: According to Plato, Atlantis was a highly advanced and powerful civilization that existed around 11,000 years ago. It was described as a large island or continent with vast wealth, advanced technology, and a powerful military.
- Decline: The Atlanteans, according to the myth, became morally corrupt and overly ambitious, leading the gods, particularly Poseidon, to punish them. Atlantis was said to have been destroyed in a single day and night by a series of natural disasters, sinking into the ocean.
- Outcome: The destruction of Atlantis serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of hubris and the loss of moral integrity, leading to the complete annihilation of the civilization and a return to a more balanced state in the broader world.
4. Mayan Civilization
- Peak: The Maya civilization peaked during the Classic Period (250-900 CE), with impressive achievements in architecture, astronomy, mathematics, and a complex calendar system. The civilization built magnificent cities such as Tikal and Palenque.
- Decline: A combination of factors, including environmental degradation, warfare, overpopulation, and possibly drought, led to the collapse of major Maya city-states in the southern lowlands by the end of the 9th century.
- Outcome: The Maya civilization did not disappear entirely but transitioned into smaller, less centralized communities. Much of the advanced knowledge and urban sophistication was lost, leading to a simpler, agrarian-based way of life.
5. Ottoman Empire
- Peak: The Ottoman Empire reached its zenith in the 16th and 17th centuries, controlling vast territories in Southeast Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa. It was a major center of political power, culture, and commerce, with Istanbul as its capital.
- Decline: The empire began to decline in the 18th century due to military defeats, economic troubles, internal corruption, and the rise of nationalist movements within its territories. The empire gradually lost territory and influence, culminating in its dissolution after World War I.
- Outcome: The fall of the Ottoman Empire in 1922 led to the establishment of modern nation-states in the Middle East and the Balkans. The transition from empire to smaller, independent states marked a return to more localized forms of governance.
6. Mongolian Empire
- Peak: The Mongolian Empire, founded by Genghis Khan in the early 13th century, became the largest contiguous land empire in history. At its peak, it stretched from Eastern Europe to the Sea of Japan, encompassing vast territories across Asia and Europe.
- Decline: After the death of Genghis Khan and his immediate successors, the empire began to fragment into smaller khanates. Internal strife, difficulty in governing such a vast territory, and the loss of the unifying force of Genghis Khan led to its gradual decline.
- Outcome: The Mongol Empire eventually dissolved into several smaller states, with many of them being absorbed by emerging powers like the Russian Empire and the Ming Dynasty. The decline led to a return to more localized and traditional forms of governance in the regions formerly under Mongol control.
7. Khazarian Empire
- Peak: The Khazarian Empire, centered around the Caspian Sea, was a powerful and influential state in the 7th to 10th centuries. It controlled key trade routes between Europe and Asia and was known for its religious tolerance, including the conversion of the Khazar elite to Judaism.
- Decline: The Khazarian Empire began to decline in the 10th century due to military defeats by the emerging Kievan Rus and the expansion of other neighboring powers. The loss of control over trade routes and internal struggles further weakened the empire.
- Outcome: The Khazarian Empire eventually collapsed, and its territories were absorbed by surrounding powers. The decline of Khazaria led to the rise of new states in Eastern Europe and a return to more localized and traditional forms of governance in the region.
8. Similar Examples
- The Indus Valley Civilization: Peaked around 2500 BCE with advanced urban planning, architecture, and social organization. The civilization declined around 1900 BCE due to environmental changes and possibly invasions, leading to a more agrarian society.
- The Aztec Empire: Peaked in the early 16th century with a powerful military and complex society centered around Tenochtitlan. The empire was destroyed by the Spanish conquest in 1521, leading to a drastic decline in indigenous power and the imposition of simpler, colonial structures.
- The Inca Empire: Peaked in the early 16th century with a vast and highly organized empire across the Andes. The Spanish conquest in 1533 led to the collapse of the empire and a return to smaller, fragmented communities.
- And the list could go on…
Novelty Theory and the Dynamics of Life
McKenna’s “Novelty Theory” further elaborates on this cyclical process. He proposes that life is driven by a dual force: the pull toward increased complexity, or “novelty,” and the counterforce that draws it back toward fundamental balance, “habit”. This dynamic tension is the essence of life in our reality. All living things, including human societies, are constantly navigating this push and pull. At times, the drive toward complexity dominates, leading to periods of rapid innovation and growth. At other times, the pull toward balance prevails, resulting in a retreat from complexity. He had also proposed that, at some point, growth would accelerate at such a speed that life would break free of the pull downward and burst forward into an entirely new state of being (new states of consciousness or a messianic era perhaps).
We seem, however, to be at a point in this cycle where the drive toward balance is gaining strength. The complexities of modern life, from environmental degradation to social unrest and economic instability, are straining the limits of our current systems. In response, there is a growing movement toward simplicity, sustainability, and a return to more fundamental ways of living. This is not just a reaction to the challenges of our time but a reflection of the underlying dynamics that McKenna describes – the natural ebb and flow of complex systems.
The Implications for Human Civilization
As we approach what appears to be the descending side of this particular bell curve, the question arises: What will be the impact on human civilization? The shift toward a more fundamental balance will likely present in various ways across different aspects of society.
Governments and nations may experience a decentralization of power as communities seek to reclaim autonomy and prioritize local, sustainable practices. Economic systems might evolve to emphasize self-sufficiency and resilience, moving away from the globalized, consumption-driven models that currently dominate. Social structures could shift toward greater cooperation and mutual aid, as people recognize the need for collective action in the face of shared challenges.
On a species-wide level, this return to balance could result in a reevaluation of our relationship with the natural world. The relentless pursuit of growth and development that has characterized much of human history may give way to a more harmonious coexistence with the Earth. This is not to say that progress and innovation will cease, but rather that they will be tempered by a greater awareness of their consequences and a desire for sustainability.
Preparing for the Future
As we face this potential descent, preparation is the most reasonable course of action. While the exact outcomes are uncertain, being ready for a range of possibilities is a prudent course of action. This may involve cultivating resilience in our communities, developing sustainable practices, and fostering a mindset that embraces both complexity and simplicity.
In a Nutshell
Terrence McKenna’s theories of the “Archaic Revival” and “Novelty” offer an interesting perspective on the current state of human civilization. As we find ourselves at the peak of a cycle, the signs of an impending return to a more fundamental balance are becoming increasingly apparent. This transition, though challenging, offers the potential for a renewed relationship with our world and each other. Only time will tell the full impact of this shift, but by understanding the cyclical nature of life and preparing for the changes to come, we can be better prepared for the future, whatever it may be. Join us in making the world a better place. You’ll be glad that you did. Cheers friends.