AI-powered
podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Past Present Future
History of Ideas Q&A
Dec 21, 2023
Topics discussed in this podcast include the decline of Norman Maynard's essay, the parallels between Trump and characters in Dickens' novels, seeking justice and restitution for Black Americans, exploring Tanhisi Coates' evolving ideas, Nietzsche's slave revolt and imaginary revenge, the substance and process in politics, and upcoming episodes on great political novels and bad ideas.
54:00
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- Norman Mailer's essay 'Superman Comes to the Supermarket' combines the surface of American politics with underlying tensions and wildness of the nation.
- The influence of Donald Trump in global politics may be emblematic of a larger trend, but other politicians might have inspired his approach as well.
Deep dives
The Importance of Reading Norman Mailer's Essay
In this podcast episode, Norman Mailer's essay 'Superman Comes to the Supermarket' is discussed. The essay, published in 1960, explores the Democratic Party Convention of that year and the rise of John F. Kennedy as a glamorous and groundbreaking political figure. However, the essay is also critiqued for being dated and overwritten, lacking the depth and journey-like quality of great essays. It is suggested that Mailer's essay combines the surface of American politics with the underlying tensions and wildness of the nation. Additionally, the debate arises whether Mailer's declining popularity is due to his unpleasant personality or the essay's shortcomings.
Get the Snipd
podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered
Discover
highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any
moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share
& Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered
podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover
highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode