Two Gas Pedals and No Brakes | Ruminant

In 'Suicide of the West,' Jonah Goldberg argues that the principles of liberal democracy and capitalism, which he terms 'the Miracle,' are under threat from various forms of illiberalism. He contends that the West's prosperity and political stability are not inevitable but rather the result of unique historical and philosophical developments. Goldberg warns that complacency and the erosion of these principles due to partisanship, polarization, and identity politics could lead to democratic decline. He emphasizes the importance of gratitude for the achievements of Western civilization and the need to rediscover and uphold its founding ideals to prevent its downfall.

In 'The War Against Boys,' Christina Hoff Sommers argues that boys are falling behind in education due to policies that favor girls, leading to significant social and economic costs. She proposes solutions such as boy-friendly pedagogy and vocational education to address these issues. The book challenges the notion that girls are the only disadvantaged group in education, highlighting the need for a balanced approach that supports both genders.