#452
Mentioned in 13 episodes
The Power of the Powerless
Book • 1985
Written in 1978, 'The Power of the Powerless' is a seminal essay by Václav Havel that critiques the post-totalitarian systems of Eastern Europe.
The essay, which was circulated in samizdat form, argues that individuals living within such systems must 'live in truth' to challenge the pervasive lies and ideological control of the state.
Havel uses the example of a greengrocer displaying a communist slogan to illustrate the mechanisms of compliance and the potential for resistance.
The book, edited by John Keane, includes responses from various contributors and provides a broad spectrum of democratic opinions on freedom, power, and civil liberty under totalitarian conditions.
The essay, which was circulated in samizdat form, argues that individuals living within such systems must 'live in truth' to challenge the pervasive lies and ideological control of the state.
Havel uses the example of a greengrocer displaying a communist slogan to illustrate the mechanisms of compliance and the potential for resistance.
The book, edited by John Keane, includes responses from various contributors and provides a broad spectrum of democratic opinions on freedom, power, and civil liberty under totalitarian conditions.
Mentioned by
Mentioned in 13 episodes
Mentioned by 
Marc Andreessen in the context of preference falsification and the parable of the green grocer.
Marc Andreessen in the context of preference falsification and the parable of the green grocer.
6,052 snips
#458 – Marc Andreessen: Trump, Power, Tech, AI, Immigration & Future of America
Mentioned in relation to the importance of truth-telling in society.
90 snips
Love and Truth
Mentioned by Jordan B. Peterson alongside Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn and Viktor Frankl.
77 snips
Biblical Series: Sodom and Gomorrah
Mentioned by Marc Andreessen in relation to Timur Kuran's work and the concept of preference falsification in totalitarian regimes.
Marc Andreessen in relation to Timur Kuran's work and the concept of preference falsification in totalitarian regimes.
46 snips
E118: Ending Woke, Why Elon Wins, and A Return to Innovation w/ Marc Andreessen [Moment of Zen repost]
Mentioned by 
Greg McKeown as books that guide readers in decluttering their lives, physically and mentally.
Greg McKeown as books that guide readers in decluttering their lives, physically and mentally.
44 snips
273. Cultivating Mindful Relationships and Creative Growth with Leo Babauta (Part 1)
Mentioned by Matt Frazier in the context of discussing the importance of environmental design for habit formation.
41 snips
Crush It As A Plant-Based Athlete: Matt Frazier & Robert Cheeke
Recommended by the podcast host as a guide to simplifying life and focusing on what truly matters.
33 snips
2934: 9 Things to Think About Before You Give Up by Marc Chernoff of Marc and Angel on Mental Health Advice
Todd Rose suggests reading it as one of the most remarkable little pamphlets, mentioning Havel was the originator of the Velvet Revolution.
29 snips
Todd Rose — Are We Living in the Truman Show? (EP.270)
Mentioned by 
Bret Stephens as an influential essay emphasizing the importance of living truthfully, even under totalitarian regimes.
Bret Stephens as an influential essay emphasizing the importance of living truthfully, even under totalitarian regimes.
19 snips
Munich 2025
Mentioned by 
Timothy Snyder as an example of someone who wrote for the future, not just their own time.
Timothy Snyder as an example of someone who wrote for the future, not just their own time.
585: Timothy Snyder | Twentieth-Century Lessons on Tyranny
Mentioned by John Plotz , to go beyond the power lie to find a comprehensive account of what Trump is presently up to.
153: What Hannah Arendt Has to Teach Us about Anticipatory Despair (JP)
Recommended by Peter Wehner as sources of wisdom and inspiration for navigating challenging political times.
MAGA Grievance: A Short History
