The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast 152. Radical Ideology and the Nihilistic Void | Douglas Murray
Jan 24, 2021
Douglas Murray, a British author known for works like "The Madness of Crowds," dives deep into the waning grand narratives across the political spectrum. He discusses how this void is vulnerable to radical ideologies and the existential struggles tied to identity in modern society. Murray critiques identity politics and emphasizes empathy as a bridge across political divides. The conversation navigates electoral integrity and the complexities of contemporary political turbulence, calling for trust and forgiveness in an increasingly polarized world.
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Collapse of Grand Narratives
- Grand narratives, overarching explanations for life's purpose, are collapsing in the West.
- This leaves a void, especially in political discourse, that can be filled by radical ideologies.
Filling the Void
- The left, particularly the radical left, has tried to fill the void left by collapsing grand narratives with identity politics.
- The right has largely focused on economics, neglecting questions of identity and meaning.
Identity Politics and Alienation
- Identity politics offers a path and explanation for those feeling alienated, but it's often incoherent.
- It focuses on immutable characteristics, creating a shallow and sometimes contradictory definition of identity.
