247. The War On The West | Douglas Murray

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Apr 25, 2022

Douglas Murray delves into the ideological battles facing Western values, scrutinizing the impact of cultural critiques. The conversation tackles the complexities of slavery and moral accountability while challenging the notion of inequality in capitalist societies. They discuss the interplay of race and meritocracy, exploring the dynamics of representation in various fields. Murray also reflects on historical contexts, emphasizing the importance of gratitude and faith amid modern tensions, warning against the dangers of destructive ideologies that seek to erode societal foundations.

01:52:28

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INSIGHT

War on the West

The West is under attack from within, targeting its history, people, and culture.
This "anti-Westernism" venerates everything non-Western while denouncing Western creations.

insights

INSIGHT

Revenge, Not Justice

Critics of the West, like Ibram X. Kendi and Robin DiAngelo, often seek revenge, not fairness.
They employ the same essentializing tactics they condemn, homogenizing Western people and traditions.

question_answer

ANECDOTE

Slavery's History

Historically, opposing slavery was rare.
The Enlightenment era saw debate on the origins of human races and the morality of enslaving different groups.

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The War on Western Values

02:25 • 13min

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Exploring Slavery and Moral Accountability

15:10 • 24min

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Challenging the Narrative of Inequality

39:15 • 24min

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The Intersection of Science and Narrative

01:03:18 • 3min

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The Representation Dilemma

01:06:00 • 5min

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Revisiting the Past: Art, Legacy, and Modern Sensibilities

01:11:30 • 26min

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Exploring the Dynamics of Gratitude and Human Conflict

01:37:44 • 2min

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Faith, Doubt, and Religious Dialogue

01:40:03 • 6min

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The Dangers of Destructive Ideologies

01:45:58 • 7min

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The City and the City

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China Miéville

China Miéville's "The City & The City" presents a unique dystopian world where two cities, Besźel and Ul Qoma, occupy the same physical space yet remain largely invisible to each other's inhabitants. The narrative follows a murder investigation that forces the protagonist to navigate the complex rules and social structures governing the interaction, or rather, the non-interaction, between the two cities. The novel explores themes of surveillance, identity, and the nature of reality itself, challenging readers to question their perceptions of the world around them. Miéville's intricate world-building and thought-provoking themes make it a compelling read for fans of science fiction and urban fantasy. The novel's unique premise and exploration of societal structures make it a standout in the genre.

The strange death of Europe

Douglas Murray

In 'The Strange Death of Europe,' Douglas Murray argues that European civilization is under threat due to two primary factors: the mass migration of new peoples into Europe and the continent's low birth rates, combined with a loss of faith in its beliefs, traditions, and legitimacy. Murray contends that Europe's exhaustion from its historical burdens, its post-Christian and post-modern identity crisis, and its inability to defend its values are leading to a cultural and demographic transformation that may result in the end of Europe as it has historically existed. The book is characterized by its polarizing reception, with some praising its insightful reporting and others criticizing its perceived xenophobic and paranoid tone.

The Genealogy of Morals

Friedrich Nietzsche

Friedrich Nietzsche's "On the Genealogy of Morality" is a critical examination of morality's historical development. Nietzsche challenges traditional views of good and evil, arguing that they are not objective truths but rather power dynamics. He traces the origins of morality to resentment and the will to power, suggesting that morality is a tool used by the weak to control the strong. The work is divided into three essays, each exploring different aspects of morality's evolution. Nietzsche's analysis is complex and provocative, challenging readers to reconsider their own moral values and beliefs. His work continues to spark debate and inspire new interpretations.

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The New York Times Company

Nikole Hannah-Jones

The Wretched of the Earth

Frantz Fanon

Frantz Fanon's "The Wretched of the Earth" is a seminal work of postcolonial theory that explores the psychological and social effects of colonialism on colonized peoples. Fanon argues that colonialism creates a system of oppression that dehumanizes and alienates the colonized, leading to violence and resistance. He analyzes the role of violence in the struggle for liberation, emphasizing its necessity in breaking the cycle of oppression. The book also examines the process of decolonization, highlighting the need for a complete transformation of society and the creation of new forms of social and political organization. Fanon's work remains highly influential in discussions of colonialism, decolonization, and the ongoing struggle for racial and social justice.

The Madness of Crowds

Gender, Race and Identity

Douglas Murray

In this book, Douglas Murray investigates the dangers of 'woke' culture and the rise of identity politics. He examines the most controversial issues of the current era, including sexuality, gender, technology, and race, and critiques the Marxist foundations of modern social justice movements. Murray argues that modern attitudes towards these issues have been distorted by a sense of victimhood and the negative impact of political correctness. The book is divided into sections dealing with different forms of identity politics and includes interludes on the impact of technology and the need to relearn the ability to forgive in an increasingly online culture. Murray's work has received both praise and criticism, with some reviewers appreciating his bravery and others criticizing his approach as provocative and divisive.

The Brothers Karamazov

Larissa Volokhonsky

Fyodor Dostoevsky

Richard Pevear

Set in 19th-century Russia, 'The Brothers Karamazov' is a novel that delves into the lives of the Karamazov family, focusing on the three brothers—Dmitri, Ivan, and Alyosha—and their complex relationships with their father, Fyodor Pavlovich Karamazov. The novel is a murder mystery, a courtroom drama, and an exploration of erotic rivalry, faith, doubt, and reason. It examines the human psyche, moral dilemmas, and the search for meaning in a world fraught with suffering and uncertainty. The story revolves around the murder of Fyodor Pavlovich and the subsequent trial of Dmitri, accused of the crime, while exploring deeper themes of Russian life, social and spiritual striving, and the clash between faith and reason.

The War on the West

Douglas Murray

How to Be an Antiracist

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Orientalism

Edward Said

In 'Orientalism,' Edward Said critiques the Western construction of the Orient as a place of mystery and exoticism. He argues that Orientalism, as a discipline and worldview, is inherently tied to European imperialism and serves as a powerful instrument of domination. Said examines how Western literature, academia, and politics have perpetuated colonialism and imperialism by creating and reinforcing stereotypes and myths about the East. He traces the development of Orientalism from its roots in the 18th century to its contemporary implications, emphasizing the intimate relationship between knowledge and power and the need to challenge these dominant discourses.

This episode was recorded on March 14th, 2022.

In this episode, Douglas Murray and I discuss the current assault on the West, slavery, gratitude, racist mathematics, whiteness, (non-Western) accomplishments, and individual sovereignty.

Douglas Murray is the associate editor of The Spectator and the bestselling author of seven books, including The Strange Death of Europe: Immigration, Identity, Islam; The Madness of Crowds, and The War on the West.

—Links—

Follow Murray on Twitter: https://twitter.com/DouglasKMurray

Instagram: https://instagram.com/douglaskmurray

Buy ‘The War on the West’: https://amazon.com/War-West-Douglas-M...

Read Murray’s articles: https://spectator.co.uk/writer/dougla...

—Chapters—

[0:00] Intro

[1:36] Why ‘War’?

[8:41] Western Values, Revenge, Nietzsche

[14:13] Slavery, Individuality, Rationalism

[21:11] Eradicating Slavery

[27:42] Agency & Oppression