First Things Podcast

The Persistence of Ideology (ft. Daniel Mahoney)

9 snips
May 12, 2025
Daniel Mahoney, an Emeritus professor at Assumption University and senior fellow at the Claremont Institute, dives deep into the roots of totalitarianism. He critiques modern misconceptions about democracy and emphasizes the significance of truth and Christian values. The discussion warns about the dangers of ideological purity and cancel culture, drawing parallels to historical regimes. Mahoney also explores the rise of nihilism in 2020 and the need for moderation in political discourse, showcasing the persistence of ideological misunderstandings throughout history.
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INSIGHT

Understanding the Ideological Project

  • The ideological project aims to radically transform human nature and society, disregarding traditional distinctions like good and evil.
  • It enforces a new reality based on progress versus reaction, suppressing opposing views as enemies.
INSIGHT

Cancel Culture's Totalitarian Logic

  • Cancel culture shares a totalitarian logic with harsher historical regimes by suppressing dissent and questions.
  • Marx explicitly rejected objections to communism based on philosophy, ethics, or religion, enforcing ideological purity.
INSIGHT

Language Tyranny in Ideology

  • Ideological cliches tyrannically rule through language manipulation, destroying dialogue and the human soul.
  • Abolishing disputation in name of purity undermines free and decent political life.
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