Peter Turchin is an academic most famous for developing the idea of
cliodynamics, which includes the application of mathematical modelling to history. Amongst his better ideas is the notion that revolutions are mainly intra-elite competitions, which occur when societies
‘overproduce’ elites, who become frustrated aspirants motivated to overturn the system by mobilising the mob. It’s a compelling theory, and in his latest essay, suggests that AI - which is already commoditising elite knowledge work - will bring such revolution closer.
Uncomfortable food for thought.