As the world teeters on the brink of chaos, it’s hard not to feel the weight of uncertainty pressing down.
With global tensions rising, political instability brewing, and the looming threat of a catastrophic event, it’s easy to imagine an impending apocalypse.
The Doomsday Clock has been moved to 89 seconds to midnight, and across the world, people are preparing for the worst.
Survivalists are stocking up on food, and even nuclear bunkers are being advertised to those scrambling for safety.
But have you ever thought about what happens after the apocalypse? Once the dust settles and it’s time to rebuild, what does that process look like? That’s exactly what Seva Batischev, an expert escape room designer, began pondering during the isolation of the pandemic.
Along with fellow escape room magnate Timur Kadyrov and entrepreneur Artur Stelmakh, they decided to create The Book – a comprehensive guide to not only surviving but rebuilding civilization from the ground up.
A Guide for Rebuilding Civilization
The idea for The Book emerged after Seva lost his business to the pandemic and realized that, in the face of disaster, people would need more than just food and water – they’d need a roadmap for reconstructing society.
The book tackles everything from basic survival skills like finding water and making beer to the more whimsical, like performing magic tricks.
The trio set out to cover a whopping 180 topics that could help humanity survive and thrive again.
“The worse things get, the better our sales are,” Seva says with a hint of dark humor.
“Not that we’re happy about it, but we understand why it resonates.”
The book, which has already sold over 250,000 copies, became one of the most successful Kickstarter campaigns of all time.
With a hefty 2.3 kg weight and a comprehensive approach, The Book is designed to guide you through the most crucial tasks in rebuilding society.
Key Tips for Rebuilding Civilization:
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Gunpowder: A Game-Changer in Survival
The authors of The Book emphasize the importance of gunpowder as one of the first inventions to push civilization forward.
Whether you’re defending yourself or hunting for food, understanding how to create gunpowder is essential. “If you can invent gunpowder, you can conquer everybody,” Seva explains.
This fundamental discovery is a symbol of progress and could play a pivotal role in rebuilding a new world.
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Metal Casting: The Building Block of Civilization
In a post-apocalyptic world, you’ll need metal for everything—from building structures to creating tools.
The Book covers the art of metal casting, a key technology that took humanity from the Stone Age to the Iron Age.
“Learning to use fire for tasks more sophisticated than cooking meat opens the door to creating useful materials like iron and steel,” they explain. Having a smelter will be crucial for any new society.
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Water Systems: The Unsung Heroes of Civilization
You can’t underestimate the importance of water systems, which are essential for both daily survival and comfort. From plumbing to heating, The Book stresses how vital water is to the functioning of modern life.
“A good house isn’t just four walls; it’s a functioning water system,” says Seva.
And, of course, there’s the added benefit of the book’s playful hidden Easter egg – a rat and some turtles, a cheeky nod to the Ninja Turtles!
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Fungi: The Power of Nature
Fungi isn’t just something we see in the wild or as part of our meals – it could be vital to rebuilding civilization.
The Book covers the many uses of fungi, from fermentation to making clothing and packaging.
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While the authors joke about not being able to discuss all its uses, it’s clear that fungi has a surprising range of benefits that could help in the rebuilding process.
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Bicycles: A Simple Yet Essential Invention
The humble bicycle is more than just a mode of transport; it could be a symbol of progress in a post-apocalyptic world.
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“By connecting two wheels to a solid frame, you create a versatile, efficient vehicle,” says Seva.
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Not only could bicycles help with transportation, but their simple mechanics could also be adapted to generate electricity or serve other practical purposes.
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Channeling Aggression: The Role of Football
In times of crisis, humans need a way to release pent-up aggression without resorting to violence.
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The Book suggests football (soccer) as an ideal outlet.
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“Satisfying the urge to dominate and compete is essential for survival,” they explain.
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Football provides a nonviolent way to assert superiority and resolve conflicts—perhaps even more important than other historical innovations like the steam engine!
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Drama: The Importance of Art in a New World
A world without art would be a bleak place.
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The Book acknowledges that while technical inventions are crucial, human creativity is just as important. “Art is beauty without explanation,” say Seva and Timur.
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That’s why their book includes a chapter dedicated entirely to music, theatre, and games—reminding us that we need cultural enrichment to truly build a well-rounded society.
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Festivals: Coming Together to Celebrate Life
Once the practical necessities have been handled, it’s time to reconnect with others.
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The Book advocates for festivals as a way to unite communities after an apocalypse.
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“It’s important to celebrate life, to bring people together,” the authors say.
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After all the hard work of rebuilding, it’s vital to pause and enjoy life together.
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Festivals help people bond, share joy, and restart civilization with a sense of unity.
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Martial Arts: Peace Through Preparedness
Even in a world focused on peace, martial arts can be a vital skill.
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“The best battle is the one not fought,” says The Book, which teaches that martial arts can be a way to maintain peace and order.
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While diplomacy is ideal, being prepared for physical conflict might be necessary for survival.
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Plus, the book throws in a fun Easter egg—a real-life Mortal Kombat combination for any geeks out there!
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Cyphers: The Hidden Treasure of The Book
Finally, The Book features a hidden treasure—a real quest encoded in ciphers.
Only a few people have managed to solve the puzzle and uncover the treasure, a special edition of the book with gold pages and a leather cover.
“It’s not just about survival,” Seva says, “It’s about keeping the spirit of adventure alive.”
This treasure hunt adds an extra layer of excitement to the guide, offering readers a chance to discover something truly special.
The Book: A Comprehensive Guide for the End and the Beginning
While the idea of rebuilding civilization after an apocalypse may seem far-fetched to some, Seva, Timur, and Artur have created a blueprint for survival that’s as practical as it is adventurous.
Whether the world ends tomorrow or not, The Book offers readers a hopeful, if quirky, vision of a future built on knowledge, creativity, and community.
You can get your hands on this guide through Hungry Minds, and maybe, just maybe, find a little treasure along the way.