#2262
Mentioned in 9 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 9 episodes

Mentioned by Ryan Holiday as a novel he read in his twenties, highlighting a quote about idealism versus reality.
609 snips
Want To Be Successful? Be This | 15 (Stoic) Life Lessons I Wish I Knew At 20
Mentioned by 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 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
Mentioned by Peter Hitchens as a book he read in Moscow and greatly admired.
15 snips
Episode 271: The Literary Life of Peter Hitchens
Mentioned by Eliot Cohen as a novel with a character similar to Lyndon B. Johnson.
Shakespeare on How Leaders Rise, Rule, and Fall
Mentioned by Ryan Holiday when discussing the character Adam Stanton and his idealistic worldview.
How To Live in an Imperfect World | Practice Gentleness Instead of Anger
Mentioned by Ryan Holiday as a timeless and brilliant novel with a haunting climax scene at the hospital.
Those Things Don’t Matter
Mentioned during Ben Shapiro 's book club segment.
Ep. 1580 - Here Comes The Pain
Recommended by Anne Applebaum as a great book about American politics, loosely based on Huey Long.
The crisis isn’t Trump. It’s the Republican Party.
Mentioned by Ben Shapiro as possibly the best political novel ever written.
Ep. 1559 - What Won’t The Left Do To Stop Trump?
Mentioned by Ben Shapiro when discussing Huey Long and the nature of politics.
Ep. 1579 - The New Imperialists Are Globalist Elites
Mentioned by J. Burden to draw a parallel between Willie Stark's electrifying speech and Trump's 2016 campaign promises.
The J. Burden Show Ep. 316: Martyr Made
Recommended by Eliot Cohen as a fantastic political novel about Huey Long.
Shakespeare and Power

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