Revolt of the Elites and the Meritocracy Critique

Can a faithful Catholic truly be a libertarian? Patrick Deneen joins Conor Gallagher for a riveting takedown of one of the most seductive lies in modern politics. In this powerful conversation, Deneen exposes how both left and right libertarianism—born of the same liberal root—have poisoned our culture, eroded the family, and hollowed out the soul of the West. He reveals how the obsession with “freedom” without virtue leads not to flourishing, but to fragmentation, isolation, and despair.

From the collapse of community and the rise of elite disconnection to the spiritual emptiness of consumerism, this episode confronts the political and moral decay shaping our times. Deneen calls for a radical return to faith, prayer, and the common good—anchored in a mixed constitution that restores balance between leaders and ordinary people.

Prepare for a thought-provoking challenge to everything you think you know about politics, freedom, and what it means to live as a Catholic in the modern world.

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CHAPTERS

• 00:01 Trailer
• 05:53 Public Awakening Post-COVID
• 08:42 Synthesis of Left and Right Ideologies
• 11:02 Political Orders and Human Nature
• 14:23 The Evolution of Liberal Order
• 18:22 Consumerism as a Societal Philosophy
• 21:32 Transgenderism and the Limits of Liberal Freedom
• 24:04 Theological Underpinnings of Modern Political Movements
• 27:38 The Illusion of Conservatism in a Liberal Framework
• 30:24 Community Values vs. Market Logic
• 34:55 Populism as a Reaction to Market Liberalism
• 37:51 The Role of Education in Political Divides
• 41:10 Despotism vs. Anarchy in Political Orders
• 44:48 Elites and Their Disconnect from Society
• 50:15 The Revolt of the Elites and Its Implications
• 53:44 Noblesse Oblige: The Duty of the Elite
• 57:06 The Body of Christ: Unity in Diversity
• 1:00:23 Elitism and the Disconnect from Ordinary Citizens
• 1:06:00 Expertise vs. Common Sense
• 1:11:52 Understanding the Common Good
• 1:20:08 Property Ownership and Community Investment
• 1:25:26 Family Management Insights
• 1:28:08 Introducing Aristopopulism
• 1:33:14 The Need for a Mixed Constitution
• 1:37:46 The Importance of Prayer in Society
• 1:41:45 Exploring The Angelus Artwork
• 1:44:45 Cultural Reflections in Media
• 1:47:09 Rethinking Religious Liberty

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