Having a bad day? Dave Eggers can help.

Nov 18, 2019

In this conversation, Dave Eggers, a celebrated author and founder of 826 Valencia, shares profound insights that blend creativity and introspection. He delves into his latest book, discusses the nuances of political satire, and reflects on the complexities of modern technology. Notably, he reveals his choice to live without a smartphone, advocating for deeper human connections and intentional living in a hyper-connected world. Eggers' unique perspective offers a therapeutic take on navigating everyday challenges and embracing creativity.

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ANECDOTE

826 New York Anniversary

Dave Eggers reflects on the 15th anniversary of 826 New York, a tutoring nonprofit.
He expresses pride in seeing the organization thrive under new leadership.

insights

INSIGHT

826 Model

The 826 tutoring centers use whimsical storefronts (like pirate supplies) to destigmatize tutoring.
This playful approach encourages kids to seek extra help with their writing.

question_answer

ANECDOTE

Empathy and Outrage

Eggers describes his cyclical experience covering Trump rallies: empathy followed by outrage.
He connects with reasonable people but struggles with their tolerance of Trump's actions.

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Celebrating Creativity and Legacy

03:49 • 5min

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Irony and Empathy in Political Satire

08:53 • 23min

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The Tension Between Authenticity and Public Persona

32:14 • 2min

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Navigating the Digital Paradox

34:03 • 19min

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Navigating Life without Modern Technology

52:38 • 3min

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Navigating Connectivity and Creativity

Ethan Frome is a novella by Edith Wharton, published in 1911, which tells the story of Ethan Frome, a man living in the impoverished New England town of Starkfield. The novel explores themes of love, fate, duty, and desire as Ethan becomes entangled in a tragic love triangle with his wife Zeena and her cousin Mattie. The harsh environment of Starkfield reflects the characters' emotional isolation and hopelessness, culminating in a tragic attempt to escape their circumstances.

The Captain and the Glory

An Entertainment

Dave Eggers

The Captain and the Glory: An Entertainment is a satirical novella by Dave Eggers, published in 2019. The story follows a ship called the Glory, symbolizing the United States, as it falls into disarray under a new captain who embodies incompetence and authoritarianism. The novella uses absurdist humor to critique contemporary politics, drawing parallels between the captain and former President Donald Trump. It explores themes of authoritarianism and the vulnerability of democratic institutions.

How to Change

The Science of Getting from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be

Katy Milkman

In this ground-breaking book, Katy Milkman reveals a proven path to help readers move from where they are to where they want to be. Drawing on her original research and the work of her world-renowned scientific collaborators, Milkman shares strategic methods for identifying and overcoming common barriers to change, such as impulsivity, procrastination, and forgetfulness. The book offers innovative approaches like 'temptation bundling,' using timely reminders, and creating 'set-it-and-forget-it systems' to make change more achievable. It emphasizes the importance of tailoring solutions to specific roadblocks and using science to stack the deck in favor of successful change.

Custom of the Country

Edith Warton

Published in 1913, 'The Custom of the Country' is a satire that critiques the leisure-class marriage market and the culture of consumerism. The novel follows Undine Spragg, a young woman from the Midwest who marries multiple times in her pursuit of social power, money, and material possessions. Wharton explores the contrasts between Old New York and the new rich, as well as the differences between American and European social customs. The novel is notable for its sharp commentary on early twentieth-century society, highlighting the self-centered ambition and mutual disconnection between men and women, particularly in the context of marriage and divorce.

Age of Innocence

Edith Wharton

Edith Wharton's "The Age of Innocence" is a novel set in New York City during the Gilded Age. It tells the story of Newland Archer, a lawyer entangled in a complex love triangle. The novel explores themes of social constraints, morality, and the clash between tradition and personal desires. Wharton masterfully portrays the rigid social structures of the time and the stifling expectations placed upon women. The novel's intricate plot and insightful character development make it a classic of American literature.

House of Mirth

Edith Wharton

Edith Wharton's "House of Mirth" is a classic novel of American literature that explores themes of social class, ambition, and the constraints placed upon women in the Gilded Age. The story follows Lily Bart, a beautiful and charming young woman who struggles to navigate the complexities of New York high society. Wharton's writing is characterized by its sharp wit and social commentary, creating a compelling and thought-provoking narrative. The novel's exploration of themes of wealth, power, and the hypocrisy of social conventions is both timely and relevant. The characters are richly drawn and unforgettable, their flaws and vulnerabilities making them all the more human and relatable. The novel's tragic ending is both heartbreaking and unforgettable, leaving a lasting impression long after the final page is turned.

I’ve wanted to have Dave Eggers on the show for a while now. Eggers has not only written a vast range of books (a deeply ironic personal memoir, a heartwarming novel about a Sudanese refugee, a futuristic story about a tech dystopia) but he's also founded the national tutoring nonprofit 826 Valencia, started the literary magazine McSweeney’s, co-authored the screenplay of Where the Wild Things Are, and much more. I’m fascinated by people who are able to do a variety of wildly different things, all successfully. Dave Eggers is one of those people.

So, we start this conversation by discussing Eggers’s life’s work, his recent book The Captain and the Glory, and Donald Trump. But then — somewhere around the halfway point — the conversation transforms into something I can only describe as, well, therapeutic. Eggers doesn’t own a smartphone or have wifi in his house, and hearing the way he talks about the internet, social media, and our relationship to them put me in a sort of quasi-meditation state that I can’t describe adequately with words.

This one is a little strange, but it may just make your day. It certainly made mine.

Book recommendations:

The Custom of the Country by Edith Wharton

The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton

Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton

The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton

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My book is available for pre-order! You can find it at www.EzraKlein.com.

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Credits:

Producer and Editor - Jeff Geld

Researcher - Roge Karma

Engineer - Cynthia Gil

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