Steven Smith, a Yale professor and expert on Leo Strauss, joins for an enlightening discussion on Strauss’s impact on political philosophy. They dive into the East vs. West Coast Straussians debate and explore fusionism's potential. The conversation delves into the complexities of the Great Man Theory, while also dishing out some intriguing gossip about 20th-century intellectuals. Smith clarifies Strauss's key philosophies, examining the balance of faith and skepticism, and the ideological shifts within modern conservatism.
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insights INSIGHT
Strauss on Philosophy's Quest
Leo Strauss focused on philosophy as a quest for the best way of life against historicism and positivism.
He viewed philosophy as an ongoing search, not culminating in final answers.
insights INSIGHT
Esoteric Writing in Philosophy
Strauss argued philosophers use esoteric writing to protect dangerous ideas from persecution.
This idea challenges straightforward interpretation and complicates trust in philosophical texts.
insights INSIGHT
Jerusalem vs Athens Tension
Strauss viewed Western thought as a tension between faith (Jerusalem) and philosophy (Athens).
He believed sustaining a dialogue between these poles is vital to Western civilization.
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Persecution and the Art of Writing, published in 1952, is a seminal work by Leo Strauss that examines the tension between philosophy and politics. Strauss argues that philosophers often concealed their most controversial ideas within their texts to avoid persecution, distinguishing between exoteric (public) and esoteric (hidden) teachings. The book critiques moral relativism and emphasizes the pursuit of truth as a fundamental human impulse.
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Published in 2000, 'Ravelstein' is a biographical roman à clef that tells the story of a friendship between a university professor, Abe Ravelstein, and a writer. The novel is set against the backdrop of Ravelstein's impending death from AIDS and explores his intellectual and erotic attachments. The narrator, Chick, reflects on Ravelstein's life and their shared experiences, delving into themes of Jewish identity, intellectual culture, and the significance of Ravelstein's death as the end of an era. The novel also follows Chick's own near-death experience and his eventual decision to write Ravelstein's memoir[2][4][5].
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Harry Jaffa's "Crisis of the House Divided" is a seminal work exploring the Lincoln-Douglas debates. Jaffa analyzes Lincoln's arguments against Stephen Douglas, highlighting Lincoln's defense of natural rights and critique of popular sovereignty. The book emphasizes Lincoln's understanding of the Declaration of Independence as a foundational document for American political thought. Jaffa's interpretation of Lincoln's ideas has significantly influenced American conservative thought, particularly within the Claremont Institute. The book's enduring relevance lies in its exploration of fundamental questions about equality, liberty, and the nature of American democracy.
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Jonah Goldberg has realized that, if you name drop Leo Strauss enough, you’re eventually going to have to explain who you’re talking about. As the benevolent educator of The Remnant masses, Jonah has conspired with Steven Smith, a Straussian expert and professor of political science and philosophy at Yale University, to deliver this deep dive on the life and work of Leo Strauss.
Jonah and Steven dig into the fundamentals of Strauss’ work, the debate between the East Coast and West Coast Straussians, the value and potential in fusionism, and Harry Jaffa’s various quirks. Plus: the flaws with the Great Man Theory and some gossip on the heavy hitting intellectuals of the 20th century.
The Remnant is a production of The Dispatch, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch’s offerings—including Jonah’s G-File newsletter, regular livestreams, and other members-only content—click here.
The Remnant with Jonah Goldberg 
