#2315
Mentioned in 16 episodes

All the king's men

Book • 1946
The novel follows the story of Willie Stark, a governor modeled after Huey 'Kingfish' Long, as he rises from poverty to become a powerful political figure in the Deep South.

The narrative is intertwined with the life of Jack Burden, a political reporter who becomes Stark's right-hand man.

As Stark's career unfolds, he transitions from an honest idealist to a corrupt demagogue, highlighting the corrupting influence of power.

The novel also delves into philosophical and moral questions, exploring the consequences of actions and the search for redemption.

Through Jack Burden's narrative, the book examines the complexities of human nature and the impact of political ambition on individuals and society.

Mentioned by

Mentioned in 16 episodes

Mentioned by
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Ryan Holiday
as a novel he read in his twenties, highlighting a quote about idealism versus reality.
611 snips
Want To Be Successful? Be This | 15 (Stoic) Life Lessons I Wish I Knew At 20
Mentioned by
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Ryan Holiday
as the author of "All the King's Men," a novel that offers insights into political power.
259 snips
If You Want A Reason To Live Pt. II | 12 Stoic Choices To LEVEL UP Your Life TODAY
Mentioned by
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Ryan Holiday
as a novel that helps understand current political situations.
211 snips
We Must Push It Away | How To Stay Sane In An INSANE World
Recommended by Justin Garrison's wife, who said he needed to read this novel.
66 snips
René Girard and the Myths We Live By Now with Justin Garrison
Mentioned by
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Ryan Holiday
as a novel that reflects on current politics.
34 snips
Kermit Roosevelt III on Theodore Roosevelt and the Collapse of Honor (PT 1)
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J. Burden
to draw a parallel between Willie Stark's electrifying speech and Trump's 2016 campaign promises.
30 snips
The J. Burden Show Ep. 316: Martyr Made
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Jim Himes
as a classic novel he is currently reading, about a demagogic populist leader.
24 snips
Congressman Himes on Venezuela, Latin America & a Disordered World
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Eliot Cohen
as a novel with a character similar to Lyndon B. Johnson.
20 snips
Shakespeare on How Leaders Rise, Rule, and Fall
Recommended by
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Peter Hitchens
as one of the best books ever written, about Huey P. Long.
18 snips
(Prince) Andrew, Useless Architects and Awful Airport Security
Mentioned by
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Peter Hitchens
as a book he read in Moscow and greatly admired.
15 snips
Episode 271: The Literary Life of Peter Hitchens
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David Harsanyi
as one of the greatest books about politics and human nature ever written.
12 snips
'You're Wrong' With Mollie Hemingway And David Harsanyi, Ep. 162: Make D.C. Safe Again
Mentioned by
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Jay Nordlinger
when discussing a book about Huey Long.
11 snips
What Remains of Conservatism | Interview: Jay Nordlinger
Described by
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Andrew Edwards
and
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J. Burden
as an almost perfect novel with deep insights into the human condition.
Pre-Apocalyptic Hope w/ Andrew Edwards: The J. Burden Show Ep. 373
Mentioned by
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Ryan Holiday
when discussing the character Adam Stanton and his idealistic worldview.
How To Live in an Imperfect World | Practice Gentleness Instead of Anger
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Tinkered Thinking
as an example of classic literature with an impactful line.
White Mirror: 31 Stories, a $1,000 Puzzle, and Sci-Fi to Reboot Your Childlike Wonder 🦾🪞📖🦋
Mentioned by
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Ryan Holiday
as a timeless and brilliant novel with a haunting climax scene at the hospital.
Those Things Don’t Matter
Mentioned by
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Ben Shapiro
as possibly the best political novel ever written.
Ep. 1559 - What Won’t The Left Do To Stop Trump?
Recommended by
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Anne Applebaum
as a great book about American politics, loosely based on Huey Long.
The crisis isn’t Trump. It’s the Republican Party.
Recommended by
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Eliot Cohen
as a fantastic political novel about Huey Long.
Shakespeare and Power
Mentioned by
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John Burt
as the book written by Robert Penn Warren, whose work influenced Burt's book on Lincoln.
#448 - Lincoln's Tragic Pragmatism: A Dialogue with John Burt

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