Jonathan Swift's Shift From the Wigs to the Tories

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Swift: My shift from the wigs to the Tories was a gradual and complex process influenced by several factors, including personal connections. During his early years in politics, I was indeed more aligned with the wigs but became increasingly disillusioned with them as their internal factions intensified. The Tories' advocacy for religious dissent and their anti-establishment approach to the Church of England also played a role in my eventual alignment with the Tories.

In this conversation, Tyler uses ChatGPT to interview Jonathan Swift about his views on religion, politics, economics, and literature. GPT Swift discusses his support for the Church of Ireland, his shift from the Whigs to the Tories, and his opposition to William Wood's copper coinage in Ireland. He also talks about his works, including Gulliver's Travels and A Modest Proposal, and his skepticism of moral and intellectual progress. Swift addresses rumors about his relationship with Esther Johnson and his fascination with scatological themes in his works. He also discusses his early life in England, his intellectual mentor Sir William Temple, and his jovial attitude towards death.

Special thanks to our Mercatus Center colleague Robin Currie for giving voice to Jonathan GPT Swift.

Read a full transcript enhanced with helpful links.

Recorded March 23rd, 2023

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