Lex Fridman Podcast #200 – Michael Malice: Totalitarianism and Anarchy
Michael Malice, a sharp political thinker and author, dives deep into totalitarianism and anarchy in this engaging conversation. He analyzes George Orwell's works, highlighting the courage needed to resist oppressive regimes and the nuances of political allegiance. The discussion also brushes on existentialism, the moral complexities of war, and the significance of personal relationships in shaping our identities. Malice emphasizes the beauty of kindness and human connections, urging listeners to reflect on their actions in the face of societal norms.
02:44:44
Goldman's Disillusionment
- Emma Goldman witnessed the Soviet Union firsthand and was horrified.
- She returned to Britain and told socialists the Soviet Union was worse than the Czar, becoming a pariah.
True Heroism
- Heroism involves defying totalitarian values and upholding human life.
- Picking your battles is crucial; reckless defiance is ineffective.
Stalin's Cruelty
- Stalin used death warrants for children to coerce confessions from parents.
- This tactic highlights how totalitarian regimes exploit family bonds.
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Intro
00:00 • 2min
Exploring Immersive Gaming and New Adventures
01:56 • 2min
Exploring the Depths of the Mind and Orwell's Allegories
04:22 • 4min
Courage Against Oppression
08:33 • 14min
Exploring Existentialism and Absurdism
22:22 • 29min
Ceausescu: From Leadership to Tyranny
51:18 • 23min
The Intersection of Joy and Love
01:14:32 • 5min
Exploring Heritage and the Weight of History
01:19:32 • 5min
Anarchist Voices: Nonviolence and Personal Conscience
01:24:13 • 14min
Anarchism and Human Relationships
01:38:18 • 9min
The State vs. Anarchistic Alternatives
01:47:46 • 18min
Reevaluating War and Political Engagement
02:06:14 • 10min
Emma Goldman and Anarchist Ideologies
02:16:01 • 8min
Navigating Change and Connection
02:24:19 • 18min
Celebrating Genuine Connections and Kindness
02:42:02 • 3min
Five Chimneys
A Woman Survivor's True Story of Auschwitz
Olga Lengyel
Five Chimneys is a powerful and detailed account of Olga Lengyel's time in Auschwitz-Birkenau.
The book provides a firsthand narrative of the atrocities committed in the concentration camps, highlighting the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable horror.
It also serves as a reminder of the importance of remembering the Holocaust.
Social statics
Herbert Spencer
In 'Social Statics', Herbert Spencer outlines his vision for a society based on the principle of equal freedom, where individuals can exercise their faculties without infringing on others.
The book combines evolutionary theory with social philosophy, arguing that human happiness is achieved through social cooperation and the exercise of natural faculties.
Spencer's work is notable for its influence on libertarian thought and its critique of state intervention.
Reflections on the Guillotine
Albert Camus
In 'Reflections on the Guillotine', Albert Camus presents a compelling argument against the death penalty, emphasizing its ineffectiveness as a deterrent and its role as an act of state revenge.
Camus combines personal anecdotes with philosophical insights to challenge societal norms and the justice system's role in preserving human life.
The essay remains a powerful critique of capital punishment, inspiring ongoing discussions on justice and morality.
The War on Small Business
How the Government Used the Pandemic to Crush the Backbone of America
Carol Roth
In 'The War on Small Business', Carol Roth explores how government actions during the pandemic led to a significant wealth transfer from Main Street to Wall Street, favoring large corporations over small businesses.
The book delves into the systemic issues that have historically disadvantaged small businesses and argues for decentralization to support wealth creation among individuals and small enterprises.
War is the Health of the State
War is the Health of the State
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Randolph Bourne
Randolph Bourne's "War Is the Health of the State" is a powerful essay that critiques the relationship between war and the state.
Bourne argues that war serves to expand the power of the state, often at the expense of individual liberties.
He contends that war fosters a climate of nationalism and conformity, suppressing dissent and critical thinking.
The essay's insightful analysis of the state's use of war to consolidate power remains relevant today.
Bourne's work serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked state power and the importance of maintaining individual freedoms in times of conflict.
Anatomy of the State
Murray Rothbard
In 'Anatomy of the State', Murray Rothbard presents a stark critique of the state, portraying it as an institution that violates moral principles and operates under false pretenses.
He argues that the state maintains power by manipulating public opinion and using force, often under the guise of protecting property rights.
Rothbard challenges traditional views of government and its role in society, advocating for a more libertarian perspective.
The White Pill: A Tale of Good and Evil
Michael Malice
In 'The White Pill: A Tale of Good and Evil', Michael Malice provides a detailed and riveting examination of the Soviet system, blending historical analysis with contemporary insights.
The book describes the Soviet Union's brutal dictatorship, including its secret police, torture chambers, show trials, labor camps, and mass starvation.
Malice draws on accounts from figures like Ayn Rand, Emma Goldman, and Alexander Berkman to illustrate the Soviet regime's inhumanity.
The narrative also reflects on modern societal parallels, inviting readers to draw their own conclusions about the present.
The book emphasizes the importance of hope and the potential for good to prevail against evil, even in the face of overwhelming oppression.
next book
next book
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Michael Malice
Socialism
An Economic and Sociological Analysis
Ludwig von Mises
This book is a definitive refutation of nearly every type of socialism ever devised.
Mises presents a wide-ranging analysis of society, comparing the results of socialist planning with those of free-market capitalism in all areas of life.
He argues that a socialist commonwealth cannot apply economic calculation due to the absence of market prices, and defends capitalism against various criticisms.
The book addresses issues such as economic inequality, the impossibility of monopoly in a free market system, and the inefficiencies of centrally planned systems.
Eichmann in Jerusalem
A Report on the Banality of Evil
Hannah Arendt
Manufacturing consent
Edward S. Herman
John Pruden
Noam Chomsky
The society of mind
Marvin Minsky
In 'The Society of Mind', Marvin Minsky presents a revolutionary theory of how the human mind works.
He describes the mind as a collection of simple, mindless agents that interact to produce complex cognitive functions.
The book is composed of 270 self-contained essays divided into 30 chapters, each contributing to a unified theory of the mind.
Minsky explores concepts such as language, memory, learning, consciousness, and the sense of self, offering a philosophical and computational perspective on intelligence.
The theory posits that intelligence stems from the diversity and cooperation of these agents, rather than any single principle or formal system.
Ego and Hubris
The Michael Malice Story
Harvey Pekar
Ego and Hubris: The Michael Malice Story is a graphic novel by Harvey Pekar that delves into the life of Michael Malice, a man known for his arrogance and self-centeredness.
The book explores Malice's life from his childhood to his adult struggles, highlighting his confrontational nature and his adherence to objectivist principles.
Pekar's narrative provides a nuanced and thought-provoking look at Malice's worldview, inviting readers to reflect on their own values and life choices.
The New Right
A Journey to the Fringe of American Politics
Michael Malice
Michael Malice's "The New Right" delves into the complexities of the American right-wing, exploring its various factions and ideologies.
The book examines the historical evolution of the movement, tracing its roots and influences.
Malice analyzes key figures and their impact on the political landscape.
He also discusses the role of social media and other factors in shaping the contemporary right.
The book offers a critical yet insightful perspective on the American right, challenging conventional narratives and prompting further discussion.
Anna Karenina
Leo Tolstoy
Published in 1878, 'Anna Karenina' is a novel by Leo Tolstoy that delves into the complexities of Russian society in the late 19th century.
The story centers around the extramarital affair between Anna Karenina, a married socialite, and Count Alexei Kirillovich Vronsky, which scandalizes the social circles of Saint Petersburg.
The novel also follows the parallel story of Konstantin Levin, a wealthy landowner, and his struggles with marriage, faith, and managing his estate.
Tolstoy explores a wide range of themes including love, loyalty, betrayal, hypocrisy, and the differences between rural and urban life.
The novel is known for its detailed character development and its profound commentary on the human condition.
War and Peace
Leo Tolstoy
Set during the Napoleonic Wars, 'War and Peace' follows the lives of several Russian aristocratic families, including the Bezukhovs, the Rostovs, and the Bolkonskys.
The novel spans from 1805 to 1820 and is known for its realistic detail and psychological analysis.
It explores the impact of Napoleon's invasion of Russia on the characters and society, delving into themes of love, family, war, and personal growth.
The novel includes historical events such as the Battle of Austerlitz, the Treaties of Tilsit, and the French invasion of Russia, intertwining historical and fictional elements.
The managerial revolution
James Burnham
The Anarchist Handbook
Michael Malice
The Idiot
Fyodor Dostoevsky
Written by Fyodor Dostoyevsky between 1867 and 1869, 'The Idiot' follows the story of Prince Lev Nikolayevich Myshkin, a young man with a pure and innocent heart, often mistaken for an 'idiot' due to his simplicity and goodness.
The novel examines how this 'positively beautiful man' navigates a world filled with corruption, moral decay, and complex human relationships.
Myshkin's interactions with characters like Nastasya Filippovna and Aglaia Epanchina highlight themes of love, suffering, sacrifice, and the clash between idealistic values and the harsh realities of society.
The novel ultimately leads to Myshkin's mental breakdown and his inability to cope with the world around him.
Dear Reader
The Unauthorized Autobiography of Kim Jong Il
Michael Malice
My disillusionment in Russia
Emma Goldman
Animal Farm
George Orwell
Published in 1945, 'Animal Farm' is a novella that allegorically represents the Russian Revolution and the subsequent rise of Stalinism.
The story begins with Old Major, a boar, inspiring the animals of Manor Farm to rebel against their human oppressor, Mr. Jones.
After the rebellion, the animals rename the farm 'Animal Farm' and establish a utopian society based on the principles of equality and solidarity, known as Animalism.
However, as time passes, the pigs, led by Napoleon and Snowball, consolidate power and gradually corrupt the original ideals, leading to a dystopian regime that mirrors the oppressive human rule they initially rebelled against.
The novel critiques totalitarianism and the corrupting nature of power, reflecting Orwell's experiences and views on the Soviet Union under Stalin's rule.
Man's Search for Meaning
Viktor Frankl
The book is divided into two parts.
The first part recounts Frankl's harrowing experiences as a prisoner in Nazi concentration camps, including Auschwitz, between 1942 and 1945.
He describes the inhumane conditions and the psychological and emotional struggles of the prisoners.
The second part introduces Frankl's theory of logotherapy, which posits that the primary human drive is the search for meaning, rather than pleasure.
Frankl argues that meaning can be found through three main avenues: work (doing something significant), love (caring for another), and suffering (finding meaning in one's own suffering).
The book emphasizes the importance of finding purpose and meaning in life, even in the most adverse conditions, as a key factor in survival and personal growth.
Michael Malice is a political thinker, podcaster, and author. Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors:
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EPISODE LINKS:
Michael’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/michaelmalice
Michael’s Community: https://malice.locals.com/
Michael’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5tj5QCpJKIl-KIa4Gib5Xw
Michael’s Website: http://michaelmalice.com/about/
Your Welcome podcast: https://bit.ly/30q8oz1
The Anarchist Handbook (book): https://amzn.to/3yUb2f0
The New Right (book): https://amzn.to/34gxLo3
Dear Reader (book): https://amzn.to/2HPPlHS
Podcast (Round 1): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BIk1zUy8ehU
PODCAST INFO:
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OUTLINE:
Here’s the timestamps for the episode. On some podcast players you should be able to click the timestamp to jump to that time.
(00:00) – Introduction
(08:00) – Animal Farm
(11:02) – Emma Goldman
(14:07) – Albert Camus
(15:37) – How to be a hero in Nazi Germany
(22:43) – Camus on Existentialism vs Nihilism
(28:44) – Cynicism is a lie
(33:52) – Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union
(54:10) – Lex and Michael argue: can most people think on their own?
(1:05:48) – How Lex and Michael use Twitter
(1:15:11) – Life is beautiful
(1:18:13) – Returning to Ukraine
(1:20:07) – Michael is now an underwear model
(1:24:13) – The Anarchist Handbook
(1:25:59) – Tolstoy was an anarchist
(1:38:41) – Anarchy debate between Lex and Michael
(2:07:49) – Why Michael doesn’t vote
(2:25:04) – Austin and New York
(2:33:40) – Alex Jones