What Future Historians Say Will Shock You | Real Time with Bill Maher (HBO)

On the eve of his book debut, Bill Maher ponders what historians of the future will say about the Americans of 2024.

[ravibalu]

We are currently living in a world that is one part 1984, one part Brave New World, one part Lord of the Flies, one part Fahrenheit 451 and one part Idiocracy

[patrickking]

Future historians will observe us exactly like Alexis de Tocqueville did almost 200 years ago: “In America I saw the freest and most enlightened men, placed in the happiest circumstances which the world affords: it seemed to me as if a cloud habitually hung upon their brow, and I thought them serious and almost sad even in their pleasures. The chief reason of this contrast is that the former do not think of the ills they endure - the latter are forever brooding over advantages they do not possess. It is strange to see with what feverish ardor the Americans pursue their own welfare; and to watch the vague dread that constantly torments them lest they should not have chosen the shortest path which may lead to it.”

[Monika-mhje]

Yesterday when I was driving I thought the smart phone ruined modern life, it's ridiculous everyone looking at phone nonstop, like you're missing something if you take of your eyes of the screen. Start living your life not what people suggests.

[anneb]

It’s in your nature to destroy yourselves….The Terminator.

[SkiKoala]

"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it."

[jobiazgarza]

This was pretty balanced and equally critical of both sides - nicely done

[drumjod]

Bill Maher might be the best place for the left and right to come together, hear each others perspective, then talk shit and troll each other to no end haha.

Actually a really good thing.

Love and respect.

[kendonfahr]

My favourite description of the US comes from Oscar Wilde: "America is the only country that went from barbarism to decadence without civilisation in between."

[ca]

You had me at cheeseburger for a dime delivered on roller skates, sounds like a good life.

[harleebruce]

Humanity needs an off-frame restoration. It's not, one person, or a city, or a state, or country.

Everything needs work and people aren't doing the work.

[Ben-pdbx]

It's perfectly obvious to me that the joke should have been "the planet X, formerly Mars", but that's why they pay your writers the big bucks.

[wadestclair]

We are literally living in the movie Idiocracy

[lugenhauser]

"Everyone wants to believe that the time they're living in is the most epic, the most important age to end all ages; but heroes and tyrants rise and fall, and historians sort out the pieces."

[beau]

never thought id say this, but bill maher is making the most sense of anyone on tv right now. granted all he is doing is pointing out basic, truthful observations about the world, but at least hes making the attempt to first be rational instead of rationalizing a preconceived idea.

[RastaManOC]

The year is always 1619 for the Huffington Post, damn that’s accurate.

[Michael--]

Anyone else wish they could live back in the 80's ?

[myowndata]

America needs a third party, for all normal people who are not extremists.

Should win easily

[thomaswright]

There are millions of "normies" but their candidates for office never seem to get past the primaries.

[JohnTLyon]

I'm more of a library guy, but, I think I may buy this book. One thing about Unca Bill. he calls 'em like he sees 'em!

[Kentuckybearsfan]

People of the future will view us as highly driven by emotion.