Intelligence Squared
John Gray and David Runciman on Finding Meaning in a Post-Liberal World
Sep 21, 2023
John Gray, a leading critic of liberalism known for his realist perspectives, joins David Runciman, a political scientist and educator at Cambridge. They unpack themes from Gray’s book, exploring Hobbes' insights on human authority and the flaws of liberalism. The duo discusses humanity's collective identity amidst globalization and critiques hyperliberalism as a misguided doctrine. Their conversation delves into how literature, especially Russian works, reflects the fragility of liberal beliefs and the potential societal dangers of radical ideological movements.
36:57
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Quick takeaways
- John Gray critiques hyper-liberalism, arguing it resembles a religion in sorting people into status categories and providing meaning in an insecure world.
- Gray explores the unraveling of social order and the dangers of idealistic beliefs, drawing examples from Russian history and emphasizing the fragility of even advanced societies.
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