

The Problem with Modern Dating | David O’Connor on Nietzsche, Plato, Christ
Aug 22, 2025
David O’Connor, a Notre Dame professor and author of "Plato's Bedroom", brings his expertise in philosophy to unravel the complexities of modern dating. He discusses the rise of the incel movement and critiques the corporatization of relationships, emphasizing the need for genuine connections. O’Connor dives into the challenges facing women in demanding careers and the psychological effects of platforms like OnlyFans. With insights from Platonic and Catholic traditions, he explores how love and intimacy have evolved, advocating for a balance between rational and emotional understanding.
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Be Bold About Erotic Agency
- Have confidence in your erotic agency and be willing to let women see your attraction rather than hiding it.
- Aim to view attraction as the start of becoming a couple, not merely an individual search.
Why Incelism Is Distinct
- The incel movement mixes pride, conspiracy, and collective identity into a political phenomenon.
- Its uniqueness lies in celebrating failure, systemic blame, and mass participation among young men.
Intellectual Extremism Fuels Incel Appeal
- Incels often appeal to young men's combative intellectual side and promising secret keys to power.
- This mirrors other extremist youthful attractions to grand theories and gives identity through argumentation.