Civilization: Unraveling the Cycle of History and our Role in its Future

Civilization: Good News About the End of the World" is a compelling documentary film by director Petr Horký and Egyptologist Miroslav Bárta. It unfolds the transformations of great civilizations and draws parallels to our present era, offering an insightful view into what can be considered as the grand reality show of our impending collapse. In a world where all civilizations to date have eventually fallen, the film poses an important question: why couldn't we be the first to change this course of history?  The film seeks to make accessible to the general public the ideas presented in Miroslav Bárta's book, "The Seven Laws: How Civilizations Are Born, Grow, and Decline" (2021). It seems that all conditions for the decline of our current Western civilization have already been met. In the face of globalisation, the extent of its aftermath and who will be swept away remains a matter of speculation. It's equally challenging to envision what comes after, as the factors at play are immensely complex. While the demise of a civilization may not necessarily signify the end of the world, it can certainly seem so to the members of the declining society. 
On the other hand, the film underscores a sobering fact: our current civilization, unique in history, has access to weapons capable of obliterating life on the entire planet. While the film doesn't fully convey the breadth of Bárta's arguments, it offers fascinating footage from various corners of the globe, likely in an effort to popularize the subject and reach an audience beyond those who read the book. Notably absent, however, is a discussion on the fall of the Roman Empire, a well-documented historical period with striking similarities to the current state of Euro-American civilization. 
The documentary, filled with interviews and insights from various humanists, ends without clear answers about how to avert the impending disaster. A quote encapsulates the film's core message: "I think we are in a very problematic situation because everyone believes that what we see around us today is what the world will be like forever. That is a mistake people have made throughout history. We lack the ability to perceive the dimension of time and realize that everything changes." Despite its grim overtones, the film leaves viewers with a compelling invitation to reflect and act. It is a must-watch for those seeking to understand the past, present, and potential future of our civilization.