The Rise of Secular Gurus

This chapter examines the influence of secular gurus in the modern era, particularly highlighting how technology and social media amplify their reach. It distinguishes these figures from public intellectuals and outlines their characteristics, such as being polymathic and provocative, while discussing the dynamics of online communities they foster. The conversation also introduces a scoring system for these influential personalities, exploring the motivations behind their appeal and the nuances of success in contemporary society.