Why are dystopian and post-apocalyptic fiction so popular?

Dan Carlin's Hardcore History inspired this episode. Matt started listening to the podcast as show prep.

What is the most influential work of fiction throughout history? Ben says The Iliad.

History is a factor in the development of fiction.

Post-Cold war, the popularity of post-apocalyptic fiction is probably due more to wish fulfillment than to a working out of shared social fears.