From the New World cover image

From the New World

James Poulos: The Wisdom of Being Free

Aug 28, 2023
James Poulos, author of 'The Art of Being Free', discusses Alexis de Tocqueville's perspective on American civil society and the challenges of democracy. They also explore the impact of social media on our quest for freedom, the influence of the military industrial complex, and the limitation of rights in the technologized world.
01:05:03

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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Tocqueville's observations reveal a restlessness in American life caused by a lack of religious devotion.
  • Technology has transformed American life, raising existential questions about identity and necessitating the reclamation of control.

Deep dives

The Importance of Understanding American Character

James Poulos discusses the significance of understanding American character as described by Alexis de Tocqueville. According to Poulos, Tocqueville's observations reveal a restlessness and decentralization in American life, which stems from a lack of religious devotion. Poulos argues that this challenge poses psychological and social obstacles that need to be addressed. However, he also highlights the potential for Americans to overcome these challenges and preserve their sanity and composure through resources like religious faith and a sense of community.

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