Apocalypse Already Happened, in the Late Middle Ages, and Arguably in the 20th Century

Medieval Europe reminds us how lucky we are

I remind those who believe an apocalypse — either nuclear, environmental, or religious — is coming in the future that it already happened in the 1300s through the 1500s, when Europe lost half its population, Asia lost 25 million to the plague and North America lost 90 percent of its indigenous population to smallpox. It is hard to imagine a more devastating apocalypse than that.

At least 50 percent of children died before the age of five, and child marriages were not uncommon. Human lives were generally short and full of misery, dying before age 40.

One could also argue that an apocalypse happened in the 20th century: more than 875,000 died in World War I; between 70 and 85 million died in WWII; an additional 19 to 28 million died in war-related disease and famine; more than 35 million died in 20th century genocides. 

So far, in comparison to the 20th century, the 21st century is relatively peaceful, so cheer up, develop some optimism and positive vibes!

Below, an introduction to European history.