The chapter presents the author's critical views on current societal trends in the West and the United States, expressing concerns about the behaviors exhibited by younger generations. It delves into the perceived pessimism about the future, highlighting examples of fear, incapability, and radicalism prevalent in society. Additionally, the chapter discusses the challenges of contemporary literary culture, contrasting modern novels with 19th-century ones and exploring the complexities of defining the essence of a novel in a simple phrase.
For many men, surviving the test of battle intensifies the joy of being alive. A provocative claim, perhaps, but to novelist Mark Helprin, simply a fact, and one that drives his new book about men who commit themselves fully both to service during wartime and to the women they love. Listen as Helprin tells EconTalk's Russ Roberts how his service in the Israeli and American militaries, his decades of journalism and outdoor adventure, and his long career in defense and foreign policy enabled him to write The Oceans and the Stars, a lyrical and thrilling look at leadership in the crucible of war--and at sea. They also discuss Helprin's writing routine and sources of inspiration, his analysis of Israel's real-life war against Iran and its proxies, and his thoughts on the state of American culture today.