The Daily Stoic The Courage Crisis: How YOU Can Make A Difference Today | John Avlon (PT. 2)
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Sep 27, 2025 
John Avlon, a seasoned journalist and political commentator, dives into the essence of courage and civic responsibility. He highlights how small factions can disrupt political harmony and draws parallels to historical events like the Civil War. Avlon critiques the myths of victimhood and polarization while advocating for democratic reform and civic education. He shares personal insights from his campaign for Congress, emphasizing character over policy in leadership. Ultimately, he calls for a defiant optimism and reminds us that even small acts of courage can significantly impact democracy.
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How Nationalist Victimhood Destroys Republics
- Nationalism built on 'blood and soil' plus cultivated victimhood corrodes democracy from within.
- Avlon warns this aggressive-defensive myth sustains lost-cause movements and invites violence.
Founders Designed Against Demagogues
- The founders feared demagogues and hyperpartisanship as existential threats to republics.
- Avlon argues their warnings shaped systems to resist but still depend on civic virtue to survive.
Reform Systems To Reduce Polarization
- Reform institutions and civic culture together to reduce polarization and restore responsiveness.
- Consider open primaries, ranked-choice voting, redistricting reform, civics education, and national service.
