Modern Wisdom #1005 - Warren Smith - J.K. Rowling & The Cost of Speaking Freely
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Oct 11, 2025 
Warren Smith, a filmmaker and educator known for his YouTube channel, dives deep into the complexities of free speech and campus culture. He discusses why J.K. Rowling remains a polarizing figure and the implications of shouting down dissenting voices. Warren reflects on how his own experiences with adversity shaped his career and emphasizes that dialogue is vital for conflict resolution. They also explore the disturbing trend of political violence among students and the influence of postmodernism in academia, highlighting the urgent need for constructive debate.
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From Classroom Clip To Viral Consequences
- Warren Smith tells how a classroom clip about J.K. Rowling went viral and led to media appearances.
- The incident escalated into legal meetings and an NDA offer that he felt was aimed at destroying him.
Silencing Conversations Fuels Conflict
- When conversations are blocked, problems deepen and can lead to violence.
- Warren and Chris argue that open dialogue is essential to prevent escalation.
Rising Acceptance Of Political Violence
- Young people's support for political violence is rising and concerning to both hosts.
- Warren reports students saying they're surprised the percentage isn't higher.