Brian Keating | The Ben Shapiro Show Sunday Special Ep. 67

In this book, Joshua Muravchik provides a comprehensive history of socialism, from its early theorists to its global implementations and eventual collapse. He argues that socialism was an attempt to supplant religion with a scientific doctrine, but it consistently failed to deliver on its promises of abundance and the creation of a 'New Man'. The book also examines the 'afterlife' of socialism, noting its resurgence in popularity despite its historical failures. Muravchik delves into the stories of key thinkers and leaders, as well as experiments like the kibbutz, to explain why socialism spread so widely and why it ultimately failed.

In 'Losing the Nobel Prize,' Brian Keating recounts the story of the BICEP2 experiment's detection of what was initially believed to be evidence of gravitational waves from the Big Bang. However, the findings were later disputed due to potential interference from intergalactic dust. Keating reflects on the competitive and often ruthless world of modern science, arguing that the Nobel Prize system hampers scientific progress by encouraging speed, competition, and greed over collaboration and innovation. He proposes reforms to the Nobel Prize criteria, including the possibility of posthumous awards and greater recognition for serendipitous discoveries. The book is a blend of personal history, scientific narrative, and a critical examination of the Nobel Prize's impact on science.