In this talk at Living Well at the End of a World, James Hankins draws parallels between our contemporary anxieties about civilizational decline and the late medieval Renaissance period, specifically the 14th and 15th centuries, which also faced profound institutional crises. He highlights the humanist movement, spearheaded by Petrarch, as a historical response that sought societal reform by fostering virtue and wisdom in leaders through a renewed emphasis on classical learning. Hankins argues that the Renaissance represented a radical re-centering of civilization, advocating for a meritocratic leadership grounded in moral excellence and a commitment to community welfare.

The Morningside Institute hosted a two-day conference on April 4–5, 2025. On its first day, the conference examined some of the radical changes that Western societies are undergoing. On the second day, we explored in greater detail historical examples of how communities have navigated periods of intense cultural change and even devastation. For more information about Living Well at the End of a World, please visit https://www.morningsideinstitute.org/living-well.