Conversations with Tyler

John Gray on Pessimism, Liberalism, and Theism

71 snips
Nov 29, 2023
John Gray, a philosopher known for his critiques of liberalism and atheism, discusses his latest work, 'The New Leviathans.' He challenges the triumphalism of liberal thinking and emphasizes the merits of pessimism in confronting the future. Gray shares insights on how modern physics relates to atheism, his attraction to Eastern Orthodoxy, and discusses the indifference of potential extraterrestrial life. He also reflects on the impact of Monty Python, literature, and the ethical dilemmas of human progress versus environmental responsibility.
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INSIGHT

No Disciples

  • John Gray does not seek disciples or aim to create a school of thought.
  • He values reaching diverse audiences beyond academia.
ADVICE

Curriculum for Young People

  • Teach young people the high points of various traditions, including literary and philosophical works.
  • Include works like Aeschylus, Sophocles, Mill, Hayek, Oakeshott, Santayana, the Bhagavad Gita, and the Bible.
INSIGHT

Atheism and History

  • Gray's atheism rejects the idea of human history having a built-in structure or inevitable progress.
  • He sees history as largely random and potentially absurd.
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