#881
Mentioned in 38 episodes

Invisible Man

Book • 1952
In 'Invisible Man,' Ralph Ellison tells the story of a nameless black protagonist who navigates the surreal and often hostile world of 20th-century America.

The novel begins with the narrator living in an underground room, reflecting on his life and the various ways he has experienced social invisibility.

He recounts his journey from a small Southern town to Harlem, involving experiences with racism, a brutal 'battle royal,' and his involvement with the Brotherhood, a civil rights group.

The narrative delves into themes of identity, power, and the struggle for self-definition in a society that refuses to see him.

Through his experiences, the narrator grapples with the complexities of being a black man in America, ultimately leading to a profound exploration of invisibility and the search for one's true self.

Mentioned by

Mentioned in 38 episodes

Mentioned by
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David Brooks
as an inspiration for his book, highlighting the theme of invisibility and the need for recognition.
417 snips
Why Everyone's Social Skills Are Getting Worse (ft. David Brooks)
Mentioned by
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Russ Roberts
when discussing the experience of the main character in 'The Truce'.
212 snips
What Is Capitalism? (with Mike Munger)
Recommended by
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Ryan Holiday
as one of the great novels of all time, about figuratively an Invisible Man.
160 snips
Can You Get Inside? | The Top Books Ryan Holiday Recommends
Mentioned by
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Jacqueline Novogratz
as a book that taught her to see the world from others' perspectives.
160 snips
#758: Jamie Foxx and Jacqueline Novogratz
Mentioned by
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Philip Ball
in the context of invisibility and its corrupting influence.
118 snips
Philip Ball on the Interplay of Science, Society, and the Quest for Understanding
Mentioned during the fact check as another work that supports Stephen's argument that invisibility is evil.
59 snips
57. Which Incentives Are Best at Boosting Vaccination, and Why?
Mentioned by
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Rudyard Lynch
as one of the most important books in the African-American canon.
40 snips
The Story of Black America
Mentioned by
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Noah Smith
when discussing the controversy surrounding David Austin Walsh and the challenges faced by white male academics.
39 snips
Elite Overproduction and the Future of the Right

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