The podcast answers listener questions about political essays and essayists, discussing topics such as civil disobedience in the anti-vaccine movement, challenges in finding time to write, the role of religion in politics, the impact of political parties in democracy, the nature of essays and the rise of good essays in current online publications.
Education and privilege play a crucial role in shaping essayists
Artistic expression and interpretation are powerful tools against oppressive regimes
Hypocrisy in politics varies in intention and impact depending on context and societal values
Deep dives
The significance of education in becoming an essayist
Education, particularly in the formative years, plays a crucial role in shaping an individual's ability and desire to become an essayist. Baldwin, for example, attended a prestigious high school that provided him with the foundation and skills to engage in the art of essay writing. However, education also aligns with privilege, as seen in Virginia Woolf's exploration of the advantages enjoyed by male writers due to their upbringing, social status, and educational opportunities.
The power of interpretation and its role in challenging tyrants
Tyrants fear the freedom of artistic expression and interpretation, as they understand that it can empower individuals and challenge their oppressive regimes. Sontag argues against excessive interpretation in a free society, where it can lead to superficiality and a lack of genuine meaning. However, under tyrannical rule, interpretation becomes essential as a means to resist oppression and explore alternative readings that may expose the truth behind the regime's facade.
The connection between political hypocrisy and authenticity
Hypocrisy is often associated with political conduct, and while British hypocrisy has been defended by Orwell as a way to prevent the worst from happening, Baldwin exposes the hypocrisy of American society, where freedom is touted but basic rights are denied to many citizens. The difference lies in British hypocrisy being a form of self-preservation, whereas American hypocrisy perpetuates injustice and denies the rights it claims to protect. The presence of authenticity in politics depends on the unique context and societal values, with religion sometimes serving as a marker of authenticity, but not necessarily theology.
The role of form and the need for educational privilege when becoming an essayist
Becoming an essayist often requires some degree of educational privilege, as the essay form is intricately tied to the experience and education system. This can present limitations in terms of representation and diversity across different cultures and traditions. While the chosen essayists in this series exemplify a Western and English-speaking bias, there is an intention to expand future series to include more global perspectives. Additionally, the influence of education is acknowledged, and efforts will be made to explore more recent essays that reflect the vibrant and diverse landscape of contemporary essay writing.
The potential for great essays in contemporary times and the challenges of selection
The present holds a wealth of exceptional essays from various cultures and regions due to the accessibility and inclusivity of modern publishing platforms. Numerous online publications showcase outstanding essays that span a range of topics. However, selecting the most impactful essays from recent years is a challenging task due to the sheer volume and quality available. The shift towards more diverse and dynamic contemporary essay writing ensures that the form remains vibrant and relevant in today's society.
In this bonus episode David answers some of your questions about our series on the great political essays and essayists, from Montaigne to Joan Didion. Can great political thinkers also be committed members of political parties? Which of these writers would make a good prime minister? And where are the great essays being written today? With PPF producer Ben Walker posing the questions.