

#1261
Mentioned in 18 episodes
Caste
The Origins of Our Discontents
Book • 2020
In this book, Isabel Wilkerson argues that racism in the United States is part of a broader caste system—a society-wide system of social stratification characterized by hierarchy, inclusion, and exclusion.
She defines eight pillars that underlie caste systems across civilizations, including divine will, heredity, and dehumanization.
Wilkerson uses historical documentation, insightful analogies, and powerful anecdotes to illustrate how this caste system permeates American society, affecting people's lives and behavior.
The book also explores the consequences of caste and the possibility of a world without it, emphasizing the need for collective effort to dismantle such systems.
She defines eight pillars that underlie caste systems across civilizations, including divine will, heredity, and dehumanization.
Wilkerson uses historical documentation, insightful analogies, and powerful anecdotes to illustrate how this caste system permeates American society, affecting people's lives and behavior.
The book also explores the consequences of caste and the possibility of a world without it, emphasizing the need for collective effort to dismantle such systems.
Mentioned by


























Mentioned in 18 episodes
Mentioned by 

as a book that talks about radical empathy.


Anu Gupta

107 snips
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in the context of comparing the caste system in India to the way race operates in America.

Amy Qin

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in the context of taking responsibility for the past.


Dolly Chugh

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as the inspiration for her film, 'Origin'.


Ava DuVernay

30 snips
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Mentioned by 

when discussing Isabel Wilkerson's work on the caste system.


Kara Swisher

25 snips
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as a must-read for all of humanity, highlighting its importance in understanding societal structures.


Oprah Winfrey

15 snips
Caste: Pillar One
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

as a currently read book, described as a hard but brilliant read.

Elizabeth Lesser

15 snips
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as a controversial book used in her course on cultural identities.

Pauline Strong

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as a favorite book that speaks to her human and relationship side.


Neha Khera

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Mentioned by 

as the subject of the Oprah's Book Club podcast series.


Oprah Winfrey

Caste: Pillar Three
Mentioned by 

as the latest book club selection, focusing on the origins of our discontents.


Oprah Winfrey

Caste: Pillar Two
Mentioned by 

when comparing Coates' experiences in Palestine to Wilkerson's work on racial segregation.


Kara Swisher

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as an eye-opening book on race relations.

Christa Quarles

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in the context of the public health response to the crack epidemic.


Ryan Holiday

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Mentioned by 

when discussing the impact of societal injustices on the vulnerability of populations during crises.


Ryan Holiday

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Mentioned by 

as the basis for 

's film "Origin."


Kara Swisher


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Mentioned by 

as an example of a book that is easy to keep reading.


Austin Kleon

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Mentioned by 

when discussing ![undefined]()

's new movie.


Conan O’Brien

Niecy Nash Betts

Niecy Nash Betts
Mentioned by 

as her most recent book.


Manoush Zomorodi

Listen Again: Migration
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as a profound book on the history of American society and its impact on diversity.

Barry Schuler

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