Bruce Springsteen: A Cosmopolitan Musician

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Bruce Springsteen is a kind of nationalist, isn't he? And you're a cosmopolitan. First Springsteen as Donald Trump, Steve Bannon rolled into one. I would say that as an artist who's exploring his own issues and is relentlessly honest with the issues that really troubled him for 40, 45 years, he's a pretty honest guy. He says, I do sing truly to what I'm feeling. And he's very transparent. When you see him on stage, you can't believe you're seeing the same human being.

For two hours every morning, David Brooks crawls around his living room floor, organizing piles of research. Then, the piles become paragraphs, the paragraphs become columns or chapters, and the process - which he calls "writing" - is complete.

After that he might go out and see some people. A lunch, say, with his friend Tyler. And the two will discuss the things they're thinking, writing, and learning about. And David will feel rejuvenated, for he is a social animal (as are we all).

Then one day David will be asked by Tyler to come on his show, and perform this act publicly. To talk about his love for Bruce Springsteen, being a modern-day Whig, his "religious bisexuality," covenants vs. contracts, today's answer to the "Fallows Question," why failure is overrated, community and loneliness, the upside of being invaded by Canada, and much more.

And though he will be intimidated, David will oblige, and the result is here for you to enjoy.

Read a full transcript enhanced with helpful links.

Recorded May 14th, 2018 Other ways to connect

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