#3187
Mentioned in 7 episodes
The Machiavellians, defenders of freedom
Book • 1943
In this book, James Burnham analyzes the works of Machiavelli and other Machiavellian thinkers such as Gaetano Mosca, Georges Sorel, Robert Michels, and Vilfredo Pareto.
Burnham argues that politics is fundamentally a struggle for power among competing elites, who use deception, manipulation, and coercion to maintain their dominance.
He advocates for a scientific approach to politics, separating ethics from political analysis, and suggests that political liberty can be preserved by creating a balance of power among different elite groups.
The book provides a realistic and pragmatic understanding of human nature and social dynamics, highlighting the importance of individual freedom and the perpetual struggle of elite classes in shaping political outcomes.
Burnham argues that politics is fundamentally a struggle for power among competing elites, who use deception, manipulation, and coercion to maintain their dominance.
He advocates for a scientific approach to politics, separating ethics from political analysis, and suggests that political liberty can be preserved by creating a balance of power among different elite groups.
The book provides a realistic and pragmatic understanding of human nature and social dynamics, highlighting the importance of individual freedom and the perpetual struggle of elite classes in shaping political outcomes.
Mentioned by
Mentioned in 7 episodes
Mentioned by 
Marc Andreessen as one of his frequently reread books, helpful for understanding current events.
Marc Andreessen as one of his frequently reread books, helpful for understanding current events.
380 snips
#129 Marc Andreessen: Interview with an Icon
Recommended to understand how societies divide into ruling elites and the masses they govern.
105 snips
This Is Why Empires Fall: Tom Bilyeu Breaks Down Realpolitik, Why History Will Repeat & the Brutal Truth About War | Deep Dive
Mentioned by Keith Knight and 
Curtis Yarvin as a 20th-century classic in political science, discussing Machiavellianism and the nature of power.
Curtis Yarvin as a 20th-century classic in political science, discussing Machiavellianism and the nature of power.
15 snips
The Machiavellians: Defenders of Freedom. Curtis Yarvin & Keith Knight
Recommended by Michael Brendan Dougherty as an influential book, despite his disagreements with its nihilistic aspects.
Identity, nationalism, and fatherhood
