In 'The Legal Basis of the Total State', Carl Schmitt examines the legal underpinnings of a state that exercises comprehensive control over all aspects of society. This concept was initially applied to the liberal state of the Weimar Republic but later aligned with the authoritarian tendencies of the Nazi regime. Schmitt's theory emphasizes the role of sovereignty and the state's ability to intervene in all spheres of life.
The work examines how totalitarianism emerges from individuals and groups who construct ideological pseudo-realities to manipulate others, often driven by psychopathic tendencies. Lindsay argues that such ideologies create paralogic (false logic) and paramorality (false morality) systems, leading to cult-like adherence and societal collapse if unchecked. The analysis connects these patterns to modern ideological movements and historical totalitarian regimes.
In 'Abuse of Language, Abuse of Power', Josef Pieper examines how language is manipulated to distort reality and undermine truth. He argues that this abuse of language is closely linked to the abuse of power, as seen in tyranny and propaganda. Pieper emphasizes the importance of recognizing and resisting these distortions to maintain a truthful understanding of reality.
In 'Interior Freedom', Father Jacques Philippe explores the concept of inner freedom, which remains untouched by external circumstances. He emphasizes that this freedom is rooted in faith, hope, and love, and that its possession is directly proportional to one's growth in these virtues. The book offers a simple yet profound approach to overcoming life's challenges and finding true happiness.
In 'Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow', Yuval Noah Harari examines the future of humanity, predicting that in the 21st century, humans will strive for happiness, immortality, and god-like powers. The book discusses how technological developments, such as artificial intelligence and genetic engineering, will shape human society. Harari speculates on the possibilities of overcoming death, creating artificial life, and the potential risks and philosophical implications of these advancements. He also explores the impact of humanism, individualism, and transhumanism on our future and questions the continued dominance of humans in a world increasingly driven by data and algorithms.
Jean-François Lyotard's "The Postmodern Condition" is a seminal work in postmodern thought, exploring the nature of knowledge and its relationship to power in contemporary society. Lyotard argues that postmodernity is characterized by a decline of grand narratives and a proliferation of localized knowledge systems. He introduces the concept of legitimation by paralogy, suggesting that knowledge is increasingly validated through consensus rather than objective truth. The book examines the impact of technology and information on knowledge production and dissemination. Lyotard's work has had a significant influence on various fields, including critical theory, cultural studies, and education.
Is the radical right becoming the very thing it hates? Dr. Jordan B. Peterson sits down with Dr. James Lindsay to unpack the rise of the "Woke Right"—a faction of online reactionaries using the same tactics of victimhood, outrage mobs, and cult-like behavior once exclusive to the radical left.
Together, they explore how parasitic ideologies hijack belief systems, mimic virtue, and weaponize social media to manipulate the masses. From cluster B psychopathology to Nazi apologetics, from Marx to modern meme culture, this is a deep dive into the psychological and ideological rot infecting both ends of the spectrum.
If you've sensed that something is deeply wrong in today’s culture wars—on both sides—this episode puts it into words.
Dr. James Lindsay has written eight books spanning a range of subjects including education, postmodern theory, and critical race theory. Dr. Lindsay is the Founder of New Discourses, an organization dedicated to shining the light of objective truth in subjective darkness. Dr. Lindsay is the co-author of “Cynical Theories: How Activist Scholarship Made Everything about Race, Gender, and Identity―and Why This Harms Everybody” and is the author of “Race Marxism,” as well as his newest book, “The Marxification of Education.” Dr. Lindsay has been a featured guest on Fox News, Glenn Beck, Joe Rogan, and NPR, and he has spoken at the Oxford Union and the EU Parliament.
This episode was filmed on April, 29th, 2025.
| Links |
For Dr. James Lindsay:
On X https://x.com/ConceptualJames?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor
On YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@newdiscourses/videos
Read his latest book, “The Queering of the American Child: How a New School Religious Cult Poisons the Minds and Bodies of Normal Kids” https://a.co/d/9lpXvGc
The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast 
