George Will | The Ben Shapiro Show Sunday Special Ep. 76

Deirdre McCloskey's "Bourgeois Virtues" delves into the ethical and moral dimensions of the rise of capitalism. The book challenges the notion that capitalism is inherently amoral or even immoral, arguing that it fostered a culture of innovation, entrepreneurship, and individual liberty. McCloskey explores the role of virtues such as honesty, hard work, and creativity in driving economic growth and social progress. She argues that the rhetoric of capitalism, emphasizing individual agency and the pursuit of excellence, played a crucial role in shaping the modern world. The book is a significant contribution to the ongoing debate about the relationship between capitalism and morality, offering a nuanced and thought-provoking perspective.

Published in 1953, *The Conservative Mind* is a landmark book that gave shape to the postwar conservative movement in the United States. Russell Kirk's work chronicles the history of conservative thought, starting with Edmund Burke and John Adams, and continuing through to 20th-century thinkers like Santayana and T.S. Eliot. The book defends traditional conservatism, emphasizing the importance of preserving ancient wisdom present in institutions, culture, and government, and expresses a distrust of 'progress' that seeks to dismantle these repositories of the 'permanent things. ' Kirk's vision of conservatism is rooted in the 'moral imagination' and the Burkean conception of society as an organic, sacred order, advocating for slow and cautious change rather than radical reforms.

In this book, George F. Will provides a richly documented history and argument for a wider embrace of conservative political values. He discusses how the Founders' vision, as articulated in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, has shaped American political tradition. Will argues that conservatism is under threat from both progressives and elements within the Republican Party, and he critiques the growth of the administrative state, the failure of Congress to exercise its legislative powers, and the erosion of constitutional principles. The book is a deep and sustained reflection on American conservatism, emphasizing the importance of natural rights, limited government, and the transmission of Western historical heritage.

The Bible is a comprehensive collection of texts that form the central religious text of Christianity and Judaism. It is divided into the Old Testament, which includes books such as Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, and others that narrate the creation of the world, the history of the Israelites, and the prophetic messages. The New Testament focuses on the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, along with the early Christian church and its spread. The Bible contains a wide range of genres, including historical narratives, poetry, wisdom literature, prophetic writings, and epistles.