

#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.
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 

as an inspiration for his book, highlighting the theme of invisibility and the need for recognition.


David Brooks

417 snips
Why Everyone's Social Skills Are Getting Worse (ft. David Brooks)
Mentioned by 

when discussing the experience of the main character in 'The Truce'.


Russ Roberts

212 snips
What Is Capitalism? (with Mike Munger)
Recommended by 

as one of the great novels of all time, about figuratively an Invisible Man.


Ryan Holiday

160 snips
Can You Get Inside? | The Top Books Ryan Holiday Recommends
Mentioned by 

as a book that taught her to see the world from others' perspectives.


Jacqueline Novogratz

160 snips
#758: Jamie Foxx and Jacqueline Novogratz
Mentioned by 

in the context of invisibility and its corrupting influence.


Philip Ball

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 

as a book that taught her not to judge people.


Jacqueline Novogratz

57 snips
#512: Jacqueline Novogratz on Building Acumen, How to (Actually) Change the World, Speaking Your Truth, and The Incredible Power of “Dumb” Questions
Mentioned by 

as an example of a book with a great first line.


James Altucher

43 snips
Part 2: How to Write and Publish Your First Book in 30 Days - Frameworks, First Lines, and the Craft of Storytelling
Mentioned by 

as one of the most important books in the African-American canon.


Rudyard Lynch

40 snips
The Story of Black America
Mentioned by 

when discussing the controversy surrounding David Austin Walsh and the challenges faced by white male academics.


Noah Smith

39 snips
Elite Overproduction and the Future of the Right



