The Retreat of Leftist Thought

This chapter examines the evolution and current state of leftist thought and activism in the U.S., highlighting the disconnect between elite intellectuals and the working class. It discusses the emergence of a new right that claims to champion working-class interests amidst a perceived leadership vacuum on the left, while linking historical notions of working-class dignity to modern challenges. The conversation critiques contemporary reliance on institutions and advocates for a return to individual autonomy and radical egalitarianism as key societal values.