Carl Benjamin aka Sargon of Akkad - Liberalism, an Autopsy
Dec 11, 2023
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Carl Benjamin aka Sargon of Akkad, legendary YouTuber and writer, discusses the evolution of online ideologies, the vulnerabilities in liberalism exploited by wokeness, the power of individual actions and relationships in society, fetishizing traditional gender roles, the attractiveness of personality disorders, gratitude for not having access to Twitter during teenage years, and the limitations of ideology.
Wokeness exploited the mechanisms of liberalism, revealing false presuppositions and logical consequences beyond its original intentions.
Liberalism's emphasis on freedom neglects the importance of duty, obligations, and relationships, calling for a more balanced, moderate approach rooted in conservatism.
Internet culture distorts expectations in relationships, highlighting the need for negotiation, compromise, and a focus on genuine love and shared responsibility.
Deep dives
Importance of understanding the philosophical foundations of wokeness
The podcast episode explores the importance of understanding the philosophical foundations of wokeness. The speaker believes that while they still have liberal instincts and want fairness for all, there is something inherently wrong with liberalism that allowed wokeness to take advantage and conquer liberal institutions. By studying critical race theory, the speaker discovered how wokeness exploited liberalism using its own mechanisms such as the Civil Rights Act and doctrine of human rights. This led to the realization that liberalism itself has false presuppositions and logical consequences that go beyond what was originally intended.
The vulnerability of liberalism and the need for a post-liberal mindset
The podcast episode delves into the vulnerability of liberalism and the necessity for a post-liberal mindset. The speaker explains that liberalism, while successful historically, had a core aspect of severing social bonds, which was necessary in its time to combat social oppression and hierarchy. However, in the modern era, the speaker argues that liberalism fails to build social bonds and instead values freedom above all else. This emphasis on freedom neglects the importance of duty, obligations, and relationships that contribute to human flourishing. The speaker advocates for a more balanced, moderate approach to life, rooted in conservatism and the understanding of human relationships and responsibilities.
The distortion of ideals and expectations in modern relationships
The podcast episode highlights the distortion of ideals and expectations in modern relationships caused by internet culture. The speakers discuss how social media and the internet generate unrealistic images and portrayals of traditional relationships that are far from reality. They emphasize the importance of negotiating and compromising in relationships, rather than adhering to an abstract set of requirements or idealized standards. The speakers caution against fetishizing traditional roles or embracing extreme ideologies in pursuit of an idealized relationship, noting that genuine relationships are built on love, compromise, and a sense of shared responsibility.
The Importance of Personal Relationships
The podcast episode highlights the significance of personal relationships, emphasizing the need to prioritize and nurture connections with family and friends. The speakers discuss the dangers of an individualistic and narcissistic mindset, which focuses solely on self-improvement and personal success. They argue that genuine happiness and fulfillment come from building and maintaining meaningful relationships with others. They point out the importance of prudence in choosing partners, highlighting the potential negative consequences of getting involved with emotionally unstable individuals. The emphasis is on the idea that personal relationships and the quality of human connections are the foundations of a healthy and prosperous society.
Moving Beyond Ideology and Embracing Moderation
The podcast episode explores the limitations of ideology and the importance of moving beyond rigid ideological thinking. The speakers discuss the work of conservative philosopher Michael Oakeshott as a means to transcend ideological constraints. They argue that ideology can hinder understanding of complex societal issues and prevent individuals from embracing practical and moderate approaches to life. The emphasis is on the importance of prudence, reasonableness, and moderation in personal and political choices. The speakers advocate for focusing on the individual's role in building a better society through acting decently, nurturing personal relationships, and finding happiness in the present rather than chasing unattainable ideals.
We speak about the evolution of online ideologies, the increasingly unavoidable confrontation with post-liberalism, democracy, the individual, ideology itself as a child of the Enlightenment, Christianity as a necessary but eroding substructure of Western culture, and much more.
Carl Benjamin aka Sargon of Akkad is a legendary YouTuber, writer and podcaster, former politician, and a true renaissance man of the Internet age. You can find all his newest videos and essays at https://www.lotuseaters.com/
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