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.

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Books

Transcript

Episode notes

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.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Get the app

The new Leviathans

Thoughts After Liberalism

John Gray

Bhagavad Gita

The Bhagavad Gita is a central text in Hinduism, embedded within the epic Mahabharata. It recounts a dialogue between the warrior-prince Arjuna and his charioteer, Krishna, who is an avatar of the god Vishnu. The text explores themes of dharma (duty), karma (action), and the path to spiritual enlightenment. Krishna advises Arjuna on the importance of performing his duties without attachment to the outcomes, emphasizing the concept of nishkama karma (nonattached action). The Gita synthesizes various strands of Indian religious thought, including Vedic concepts, samkhya yoga, and bhakti (devotion), providing a coherent vision of Hindu philosophy and spiritual practice[2][4][5].

Remembrance of things past

Henry Studdy Theobald

The novel, published in seven volumes between 1913 and 1927, follows the narrator's life from his childhood in Combray to his experiences in Paris and other locations. It is known for its complex and lyrical prose, and its exploration of the human experience through the narrator's relationships, memories, and observations. The work is often interpreted as loosely autobiographical and is celebrated for its profound reflections on art, time, memory, self, and loss.

BOOK OF GENESIS

CLARE AMOS

The Book of Genesis, the first book of the Bible, narrates the creation of the universe, the Earth, and humankind. It details the stories of Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel, Noah's Ark, and the Tower of Babel, establishing foundational narratives for Judaism and Christianity. Key themes include creation, sin, divine judgment, covenant, and the chosen people. The book's influence on Western culture and religious thought is profound and enduring. It provides a framework for understanding humanity's relationship with God and the origins of civilization. The book's complex narratives continue to inspire theological debate and literary interpretation.

Bartleby, the Scrivener

A Story of Wall Street

Herman Melville

The story, narrated by an unnamed lawyer, revolves around Bartleby, a scrivener hired to copy legal documents. Initially, Bartleby is a diligent worker, but he soon begins to refuse tasks with the repetitive phrase 'I would prefer not to'. Despite the lawyer's attempts to reason with him, Bartleby's behavior becomes increasingly bizarre, leading to his eventual arrest and tragic end. The story delves into themes of alienation, the mechanical nature of work, and the societal expectations of the mid-19th century. It is often interpreted as a critique of the sterility and impersonality of the legal and business world of that era.

The new Leviathans

Thoughts After Liberalism

John Gray

Moby Dick

Herman Melville

Moby-Dick is a novel that tells the story of Captain Ahab's maniacal quest for revenge against Moby Dick, the giant white sperm whale that bit off his leg. Narrated by Ishmael, the story follows the crew of the whaling ship Pequod as they embark on a journey that explores themes of obsession, man vs. nature, and the existential questions of good and evil. The novel is rich in detailed descriptions of whale hunting and life aboard a culturally diverse crew, and it has become a cornerstone of American and world literature[2][3][5].

Book of Job

Stephen Mitchell

The Book of Job is an Old Testament book that explores themes of suffering, faith, and the nature of God. It tells the story of Job, a righteous man who endures immense suffering despite his piety. The book features dialogues between Job and his friends, who attempt to explain his suffering, and between Job and God. It raises profound questions about the relationship between God and humanity, the problem of evil, and the meaning of life. The Book of Job is considered a literary masterpiece, known for its poetic language and philosophical depth. It remains a source of reflection and inspiration for readers grappling with the complexities of faith and suffering.

Submission

Michel Houellebecq

In 'Submission', Michel Houellebecq presents a dystopian vision of France in 2022 where an Islamic party, led by the moderate Ben Abbas, comes to power in an alliance with the Socialists. The novel follows François, a middle-aged literature professor at the New Sorbonne University, who is an expert on J.K. Huysmans. As Islamic law is instituted, François is offered academic advancement on the condition that he converts to Islam. The book delves into themes of personal decadence, the decline of Western civilization, and the complexities of human happiness through submission. It is a darkly comic masterpiece that blends realism and fantasy, prompting reflections on the current cultural climate of the West and the validity of its liberal, atheistic project.

Books on Hayek

F. A. Hayek

The road to serfdom

Friedrich Von Hayek

In this influential book, Hayek argues that the abandonment of individualism and classical liberalism leads to a loss of freedom, the creation of an oppressive society, and ultimately, the tyranny of a dictator. He challenges the view that fascism and Nazism are capitalist reactions against socialism, instead positing that these ideologies share common roots in central economic planning and the empowerment of the state over the individual. The book emphasizes the dangers of collectivism and the importance of maintaining a free market system to preserve human freedom and dignity.

The American Confidence Man

David Maurer

David Maurer's 'The American Confidence Man' is a seminal work on the language and techniques of con artists. Maurer, a linguist, spent years studying the argot and methods of various con games. The book provides a detailed look into the world of confidence tricks, revealing the intricate language, psychological manipulation, and social engineering used by con men. It offers insights into the history and evolution of con artistry, highlighting the creativity and adaptability of those who practice it. The book remains a valuable resource for understanding the psychology of deception and the art of the con.

Zhuangzi

The Zhuangzi is a compilation of writings attributed to Zhuang Zhou and his followers. It consists of 33 chapters, divided into 'Inner Chapters' (chapters 1-7), 'Outer Chapters' (chapters 8-22), and 'Miscellaneous Chapters' (chapters 23-33). The text advocates for embracing spontaneity, accepting the natural order of the universe (the Dao), and living a life free from the constraints of societal norms and conventions. It uses parables, anecdotes, and humorous stories to illustrate the arbitrariness of human distinctions and the importance of living in harmony with nature.

Books on Mill

John Stuart Mill

My Struggle

Karl Ove Knausgaard

Don Bartlett

The 'My Struggle' series by Karl Ove Knausgård is a deeply personal and detailed account of the author's life. The books cover his childhood, his complex relationship with his father, his struggles with writing, and his experiences with love, family, and friendship. The series is known for its raw energy, candor, and the author's unique style of breaking down his life into its most mundane and elemental aspects. The books have received widespread critical acclaim and have been translated into numerous languages[5][6][7].

Novel by Werner Herzog

Werner Herzog

Every Man for Himself and God Against All

A Memoir

Werner Herzog

In this memoir, Werner Herzog recounts his life from his childhood in post-war Germany to his current status as a visionary filmmaker. The book is a personal record of his self-invented life, filled with captivating anecdotes about his unorthodox methods for capturing his vision on film. Herzog reflects on his experiences filming in perilous locations, his encounters with various cultures, and his relentless pursuit of what he terms 'ecstatic truth.' The memoir is a hypnotic swirl of memory, reliving his most important experiences and inspirations with empathy, fearlessness, and a unique artistic perspective[1][3][4].

The Complete Works of Samuel Beckett

A Collection of Novels, Plays, and Poetry

Samuel Beckett

Samuel Beckett's works are renowned for their minimalist style and profound philosophical insights. His novels, such as 'Molloy', 'Malone Dies', and 'The Unnamable', and plays like 'Waiting for Godot' and 'Endgame', delve into the complexities of human existence, often using dark humor and absurdity to reflect on life's meaninglessness and the will to survive.

The Collected Works of John Stuart Mill

In 33 Volumes

John Stuart Mill

The Collected Works of John Stuart Mill is a 33-volume set that encompasses his major works such as 'System of Logic', 'On Liberty', 'Utilitarianism', and numerous essays and speeches. It reflects his influence on classical liberalism and his engagement with prominent thinkers of his time.

The Best of Wodehouse

P. G. Wodehouse

This collection highlights Wodehouse's genius in crafting humorous tales, featuring beloved characters from his Jeeves and Blandings Castle series. It offers readers a comprehensive introduction to his witty prose and engaging narratives.

Kolyma tales

Varlam Shalamov

Varlam Shalamov's "Kolyma Tales" is a collection of short stories based on his experiences in the Kolyma Gulag, one of the most brutal forced labor camps in the Soviet Union. The stories depict the extreme physical and psychological suffering endured by prisoners, highlighting the dehumanizing conditions and the erosion of human dignity. Shalamov's unflinching portrayal of violence, starvation, and moral degradation offers a chilling glimpse into the darkest aspects of Stalinist repression. The work is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable hardship and a powerful critique of totalitarian systems. Its impact lies in its raw honesty and its enduring relevance to discussions about human rights and the limits of human endurance.

Works of Michael Oakeshott

Philosophical and Political Writings

Michael Oakeshott

Michael Oakeshott was a prominent philosopher and political theorist whose writings covered a wide range of subjects. His notable works include 'Experience and Its Modes', 'On Human Conduct', and 'Rationalism in Politics'. These books explore themes such as the nature of experience, political philosophy, and the critique of rationalism in politics.

The Works of George Santayana

George Santayana

George Santayana's works include influential philosophical texts like *The Sense of Beauty* and *The Life of Reason*, as well as literary pieces such as *The Last Puritan*. His writings span aesthetics, metaphysics, and critiques of American culture.

Elena Ferrante's Works

Overview of Notable Novels

Elena Ferrante

Elena Ferrante's novels, such as the Neapolitan Quartet (*My Brilliant Friend*, *The Story of a New Name*, *Those Who Leave and Those Who Stay*, and *The Story of the Lost Child*), and standalone works like *The Days of Abandonment* and *The Lost Daughter*, are celebrated for their candid exploration of female identity, family dynamics, and social change. Her writing is characterized by its emotional depth and vivid portrayal of Naples.

Arthur Schopenhauer Collection

Arthur Schopenhauer

This collection includes some of Schopenhauer's most notable works, such as 'Essays of Schopenhauer', 'The Wisdom of Life', 'On Human Nature', 'Studies in Pessimism', 'The Art of Controversy', 'Counsels and Maxims', and 'The Art of Literature'. These writings reflect his philosophical pessimism and insights into human nature, morality, and the human condition.

Poems by Wallace Stevens

Wallace Stevens

This corrected edition of Wallace Stevens' collected poems is a comprehensive collection of his works, showcasing his mastery of language and imagination. It includes all the poems Stevens wished to preserve, presented in the way he intended. The collection is a testament to his innovative style and profound exploration of the human experience.