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Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) assumes the leadership of a nation in crisis and pledges to take decisive action to combat the emergency. He acknowledges the interdependence of the American people and highlights the need for discipline and direction under strong leadership. FDR emphasizes the enduring nature of the U.S. Constitution and states that if Congress fails to act, he will use broad executive power to address the crisis. He promises to lead with courage and devotion, seeking to achieve a rounded and permanent national life.
The period of the early 1900s witnessed a desire among intellectuals to break free from the traditional forms of governance. They saw themselves as a natural ruling class and believed that their intelligence and expertise should enable them to lead and command the resources of the state. FDR's presidency marked a departure from the conventional approach to governance as he surrounded himself with capable individuals who could implement his vision. This approach contrasted with the modern-day system where reactive decision-making dominates and executive power is often limited. The competence of intellectuals relative to the practical doers was evident during this period, as they could create new institutions and effect change on a large scale.
To fix the current system and revitalize the executive branch, a fresh start is needed. Rather than trying to fix the existing policies and procedures, creating an entirely new structure is necessary. This requires a group of exceptional individuals who are capable, ideologically committed, and familiar with the inner workings of Washington. Building executive power and bypassing the appropriations process by securing funding directly is a strategic move. This approach challenges existing norms and establishes a more effective and dynamic executive branch that can make decisions swiftly and address critical issues.
Implementing a new system comes with risks, including legal consequences and potential opposition. However, the alternative of maintaining the current flawed system is also problematic. By taking bold and decisive action, the possibility of significant transformation becomes feasible. A fresh start would embody an entrepreneurial spirit, focusing on efficiency, innovation, and the practical needs of the American people. This forward-thinking approach demands strong leadership that is willing to challenge the status quo, break free from traditional constraints, and ensure a more effective and accountable government.
Many people on the mainstream right grew up with a skewed understanding of power and history, influenced by a simplified version of American history presented in school, media, and culture. They believe that following the set rules and winning small victories will lead to institutional change and ultimate success. However, there is a significant disconnect between this belief and the reality of how power operates and how history has unfolded. This disconnect is rooted in a lack of historical knowledge and a failure to recognize the flaws and limitations of the current system.
The mainstream right often seeks to achieve progress through incremental steps, like winning small battles or electing like-minded individuals to positions of power. However, this approach has proven to be largely ineffective and disappointing. The Tea Party movement, for example, promised to challenge the establishment and restore conservative values, but ultimately failed to bring about significant change. Similarly, attempts to take control of institutions like Harvard or the New York Times have yielded underwhelming outcomes, as these organizations are deeply entrenched and resistant to transformation.
Repeatedly facing disappointment and encountering a perceived lack of progress can lead to learned helplessness, a state in which individuals believe that their efforts are futile and that change is impossible. Many on the right continue to hold on to the belief in a just world, where people ultimately get what they deserve and good triumphs over evil. This belief perpetuates a sense of false hope and prevents a realistic understanding of the challenges and flaws within the current system.
To make real change and challenge the existing power structures, a radical and transformative approach is required. This involves recognizing the need to hack the system rather than reform it and replacing it with a new system that operates differently. It requires innovative political techniques and goals that diverge from traditional 20th-century strategies. Embracing a 'pussy-friendly coup' means creating a political overhaul that is inclusive and accessible, offering a fresh perspective on how to effect meaningful change.
Curtis joins Dan and Erik to discuss his upcoming debate with Richard Hanania, FDR's leadership style, radical changes to institutions like Harvard, and more. Moment of Zen is sponsored by Shopify: https://shopify.com/momentofzen for a $1/month trial period.
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RECOMMENDED PODCAST: History 102 with WhatifAltHist
Every week, creator of WhatifAltHist Rudyard Lynch and Erik Torenberg cover a major topic in history in depth -- in under an hour. This season will cover classical Greece, early America, the Vikings, medieval Islam, ancient China, the fall of the Roman Empire, and more.
Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/36Kqo3BMMUBGTDo1IEYihm
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/history-102-with-whatifalthists-rudyard-lynch-and/id1730633913
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@History102-qg5oj
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We're hiring across the board at Turpentine and for Erik's personal team on other projects he's incubating. He's hiring a Chief of Staff, EA, Head of Special Projects, Investment Associate, and more. For a list of JDs, check out: eriktorenberg.com.
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SPONSORS: BEEHIIV | SHOPIFY | NETSUITE
BEEHIIV
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SHOPIFY: https://shopify.com/momentofzen for a $1/month trial period
Shopify is the global commerce platform that helps you sell at every stage of your business. Shopify powers 10% of all e-commerce in the US. And Shopify’s the global force behind Allbirds, Rothy’s, and Brooklinen, and 1,000,000s of other entrepreneurs across 175 countries. From their all-in-one e-commerce platform, to their in-person POS system – wherever and whatever you’re selling, Shopify’s got you covered. With free Shopify Magic, sell more with less effort by whipping up captivating content that converts – from blog posts to product descriptions using AI. Sign up for $1/month trial period: https://shopify.com/momentofzen
NETSUITE: http://netsuite.com/zen
NetSuite has 25 years of providing financial software for all your business needs. More than 36,000 businesses have already upgraded to NetSuite by Oracle, gaining visibility and control over their financials, inventory, HR, eCommerce, and more. If you’re looking for an ERP platform head to NetSuite: http://netsuite.com/zen and download your own customized KPI checklist.
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Sign up for our newsletter to receive the full shownotes: https://momentofzen.substack.com/
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X / TWITTER:
@eriktorenberg (Erik)
@dwr (Dan)
@moz_podcast (Moment of Zen)
@TurpentineMedia
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TIMESTAMPS:
(00:00) Intro
(05:10) Debating Richard Hanania
(11:21) On the executive branch in DC
(22:20) On the progressive movement
(37:19) Intellectuals running the government
(42:40) FDR—inaugural address and leadership style
(53:05) The dysfunction of Washington and creating a new government
(01:03:05) On the effectiveness of command-based organizations
(01:13:02) The legacy of FDR
(01:23:00) The Challenge of taking over institutions
(01:30:07) De-woke-ifying Harvard
(01:40:05) On the impunity of the elite
(01:47:54 Wrap
This show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at erik@turpentine.co.
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