It Could Happen Here Weekly 160

This book delves into the idea of the Lindy Effect, a concept popularized by Nassim Nicholas Taleb, which posits that the longer something has survived, the longer it is likely to continue surviving. Skallas applies this idea to human behavior, although the book has been criticized for its poor writing, lack of proper formatting, and the author's attitude. Despite the criticisms, the book touches on how the Lindy Effect can provide insights into social behavior and the inherent value of things that have endured over time.

The book places the critical problem of the peasant household—subsistence—at its center. Scott argues that the highest priority for most peasants is ensuring their incomes do not fall below a minimal subsistence level. He draws from the history of agrarian society in lower Burma and Vietnam to show how the transformations of the colonial era systematically violated the peasants’ ‘moral economy’ and created a situation of potential rebellion and revolution. The book highlights how peasants view elites as having a moral obligation to respect peasant needs and how modernization often reduces peasant leverage, leading to reactions such as riot or rebellion[1][3][4].

In 'Government Gangsters,' Kash Patel exposes a sinister cabal of corrupt law enforcement personnel, intelligence agents, and military officials at the highest levels of government who plotted to overthrow a president. Despite their failure, they continue to secretly influence power without accountability to the American people. Patel, drawing from his firsthand knowledge, reveals the major players and tactics within the permanent government bureaucracy and provides a roadmap on how to defeat the Deep State, reassert self-government, and restore democracy.

Theodore Kaczynski's "Industrial Society and Its Future," also known as the Unabomber Manifesto, is a critique of industrial society's negative impacts on human life and the environment. It argues that technological advancements have led to alienation, environmental destruction, and a loss of individual autonomy. Kaczynski advocates for a return to a simpler, more natural way of life, rejecting the complexities and control of modern society. The manifesto's radical ideas sparked intense debate and controversy, making it a significant text in discussions about technology, society, and the environment. Its influence extends beyond its controversial origins, prompting ongoing discussions about the ethical implications of technological progress and the potential for societal collapse.

In this children's book, Kash Patel partners with BRAVE Books to present a fictionalized account of what he describes as Hillary Clinton's plot against Donald Trump. The story is filled with characters like Comma-la-la-la, Shifty (Adam Schiff), and the Dragon of Jalapenos (DOJ), and features Kash as the hero who helps King Donald overcome the challenges. The book is part of a series aimed at educating children about political issues through a fantastical narrative.

E.P. Thompson's "The Moral Economy of the English Crowd" examines the social and economic norms that shaped popular resistance to economic hardship in 18th-century England. Thompson challenges traditional economic interpretations of bread riots and other forms of protest, highlighting the role of customary rights and moral obligations in shaping popular perceptions of justice and fairness. The book explores the concept of a "moral economy," where social norms and expectations influence economic behavior and interactions. Thompson's work has had a lasting impact on historical and social science scholarship, influencing studies of social movements, popular protest, and the relationship between economics and morality. It remains a seminal text in understanding the complexities of economic inequality and social justice.

In 'The Return of the King', the third and final volume of 'The Lord of the Rings', Frodo and Sam face their most daunting challenge as they journey through Mordor to destroy the One Ring. Meanwhile, Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli navigate the Paths of the Dead, and the armies of Rohan and Gondor prepare for the Siege of Minas Tirith. The book concludes with the destruction of the Ring, the defeat of Sauron, and the aftermath of the war, including the return of the hobbits to the Shire and Frodo's eventual departure to the Undying Lands.

This novel follows the life of Billy Pilgrim, a chaplain's assistant in the U.S. Army during World War II. Billy becomes 'unstuck in time' and experiences his life out of order, including his time as a prisoner of war in Dresden during the Allied firebombing. The book is a powerful anti-war statement, blending Vonnegut's own experiences with science fiction elements, such as Billy's abduction by aliens from Tralfamadore. It explores themes of post-traumatic stress, the absurdity of war, and the human condition, using Vonnegut's characteristic black humor and fatalistic tone.