"WhatifAlthist" | World History, Philosophy, Culture

The Anthropology of the Left

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Sep 17, 2024

Dive into the complexities of human societies through anthropology and the dangers of media bias. Uncover how historical leftist ideologies shape today’s politics and culture. Explore the evolution of modern leftist thought, intertwined with occult movements and revolutionary ideas. Discover the psychological tactics of politicking, including smear campaigns. Finally, confront the risks of ideological blindness and its historically catastrophic impacts on society.

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insights

INSIGHT

Paradox of Knowledge

We know nothing about things we know the most about due to lacking objective distance.
Modern society avoids anthropological self-study to evade accountability for its flaws.

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INSIGHT

Leftist Philosophy's Flaw

Leftist philosophy rests on the flawed ideas of the blank slate and noble savage.
These principles lead to a totalitarian impulse to socially engineer perfect humans.

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INSIGHT

Left's Occult Origins

The modern left originated from the 19th-century German occult movement and French revolutionary ideas.
The left's aim is radical simplification, erasing differences to create uniformity.

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Unpacking Leftist Influence

01:45 • 7min

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Historical Roots of Leftist Ideologies

08:33 • 20min

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Origins and Evolution of the Modern Left

28:06 • 24min

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The Psychology of Political Smear Tactics

52:14 • 2min

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Confronting the Dangers of Ideological Blindness

54:14 • 1min

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The Vision of the Anointed

Thomas Sowell

In this book, Thomas Sowell critiques the social policies of the past thirty years, arguing that they are a result of a tainted vision held by elites, which he terms 'the anointed'. Sowell contrasts this vision with the 'tragic vision', which recognizes the world as one of limited options and trade-offs. He argues that the anointed replace facts and rational thinking with rhetorical assertions, leading to crises in education, crime, and family dynamics. The book also examines how the anointed maintain their influence through institutions like universities, media, and the judiciary, and how their vision offers a special state of moral superiority to its adherents.

Assemblywomen

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Aristophanes

Aristophanes' "Assemblywomen" is a satirical comedy exploring the consequences of women gaining political power. In the play, women seize control of the Athenian government, implementing radical social and economic policies. Aristophanes uses humor and exaggeration to critique the potential pitfalls of female rule and the disruption of traditional social structures. The play's themes of social upheaval and political satire remain relevant today, offering a timeless commentary on the dynamics of power and gender roles. "Assemblywomen" is considered a significant work in ancient Greek literature, showcasing Aristophanes' wit and insightful social commentary.

The abolition of man

C.S. Lewis

In 'The Abolition of Man', C.S. Lewis delivers a defense of objective value and natural law, originating from his Riddell Memorial Lectures at the University of Durham in 1943. Lewis argues that education should be conducted within the context of moral law and objective values, which he terms the 'Tao'. He criticizes modern attempts to debunk these values, warning that such actions could lead to a dehumanization of society, resulting in what he calls 'Men without Chests' – individuals whose emotions have not been trained to conform to reason. The book emphasizes the universal nature of traditional moralities across different cultures and warns against the dangers of moral relativism and the reduction of human beings to mere objects of scientific analysis.

Leviathan and its Enemies

Sam Francis

Dominion

The Power of Man, the Suffering of Animals, and the Call to Mercy

Matthew Scully

In 'Dominion,' Matthew Scully presents a comprehensive and eloquent case against the mistreatment of animals. The book delves into various aspects of animal suffering, including factory farming, hunting, whaling, and laboratory experiments. Scully challenges the notion that humans have unlimited dominion over animals, as suggested by biblical interpretations, and argues for a moral and compassionate approach to animal treatment. He draws on both religious and scientific perspectives to make his case, emphasizing the importance of empathy and the recognition of animal consciousness and suffering. The book is a call to action for reform and a plea for human benevolence and mercy towards animals.

Fire in the minds of men

Origins of the Revolutionary Faith

James H. Billington

This book by James H. Billington explores the intellectual lineage of revolutionary thought, tracing the origins and development of revolutionary ideologies from the French Revolution to the Russian Revolution. Billington examines the role of influential philosophers, writers, and activists, and how their ideas shaped social and political upheavals. He delves into the connections between intellectual movements, social conditions, and the aspirations of individuals and communities for radical change. The book is notable for its thorough research, meticulous attention to detail, and its ability to present complex ideas in a clear and accessible manner.

The Gulag Archipelago

An Experiment in Literary Investigation

Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn

The Gulag Archipelago is a three-volume series written by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, exploring the Soviet labour camp system through a mix of historical narrative, personal accounts, and literary investigation. The book traces the history of the Gulag from Vladimir Lenin's decrees to the era of Nikita Khrushchev, detailing the arrest, conviction, transport, and imprisonment of prisoners. It includes Solzhenitsyn's own experiences as a Gulag prisoner and accounts from other inmates, highlighting the brutal conditions, forced labor, and the psychological and physical suffering of the prisoners. The work is a testament to the human spirit's struggle against evil and serves as a comprehensive critique of the Soviet regime's use of terror against its population.

We know nothing about what we're closest to—like toxic relationships we can't recognize. Today's society is arguably history's most ABSURD, yet we refuse to study ourselves anthropologically. Instead, we embrace untested stupidities: blank slate theory, cultural equivalence, gender sameness. This series examines modern political tribes through the same objective lens we'd use on Amazonian cultures. First up: the origins, strengths, weaknesses and character of the left. The findings will shock you.

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Bibliography:

Intellectuals and Society by Thomas Sowell

The Vision of the Anointed by Thomas Sowell

A Conflict of Visions by Thomas Sowell

The True Believer by Eric Hoffer

Dominion by Tom Holland

Fire in the Minds of Men by Billington

Strategy by Lawrence Freeman

The Leviathan and Its Enemies by Sam Francis

The Unabomber’s Manifesto

The Revolt of the Elites by Lasch

The Total State by Auron Macintyre

The Culture of Critique by Kevin MacDonald

The Righteous Mind by Jon Haidt

Nihilism by Seraphim Rose

Spiteful Mutants by Edward Dutton

The Coming Caesars by Amaury de Riencourt

Sex and Power in History by Amaury de Riencourt

A History of Philosophy by Bertrand Russell

Albion’s Seed by David Hackett Fischer

Assemblywoman by Aristophanes

The Lonely Crowd by David Riesman

The Future is the Past Country by Edward Dutton

Witches, Feminism and the Fall of the West’s by Edward Dutton

Secular Cycles by Peter Turchin

Ages of Discord by Peter Turchin

American Nations by Colin Woodard

A Secular Age by Charles Taylor

A History of the Jews by Paul Johnson

The Blank Slate by Steven Pinker

The Web of Meaning by Jeremy Lent

Behave by Sapolsky

Seeing Like a State by James Scott

Coming to Our Senses by Morris German

Women Deserve Less by Myron Gaines

A Secret History of the World by Mark Booth

Foragers, Farmers and Fossil Fuels by Ian Morris

Lineages of Modernity by Todd Immanuel

Cynical Theories by James Lindsay and Helen Pluckrose

Curt Doolittle

Yuri Bezmonov

Rules for Radicals by Saul Alinsky

The Abolition of Man by CS Lewis

The Storm before the Calm by George Friedman

The Managerial Class by James Burnham

The Ruling Class by Gaetano Mosca

The Evolution of Civilizations by Carroll Quiggley

Bullshit Jobs by David Graeber

Maps of Meaning by Jordan Peterson

The Evolutionary Psychology behind Politics

The Gulag Archipelago by Solzhenitsyn

The Culture of Narcissism by Lasch

After Liberalism by Paul Gottfried

Shadow World by Robert Chandler

Envy by Helmut Schoeck

A History of Manners by Norbert Elias

The Elephant in the Brain by Smiler

The Story of Work by Lucassen

The Fate of Empires by Hubbard

The Master and His Emissary by Ian McGhilchrist

The Madness of Crowds by Douglas Murray

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