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Conversations with Tyler

Jerusalem Demsas on The Dispossessed, Gulliver's Travels, and Of Boys and Men

Sep 6, 2023
Jerusalem Demsas, staff writer at The Atlantic, discusses three thought-provoking books: The Dispossessed, Gulliver's Travels, and Of Boys and Men. Topics include human nature, gender dynamics, purpose of travel, moral progress, and the link between feminism and gender equality. They debate whether anarchy is preferable, dissect Swift's views on science and slavery, explore the psychological aspects of travel novels, and reflect on moral progress and the unity of the human condition.
01:03:08

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Quick takeaways

  • The books discussed in the podcast prompt questions about human nature, gender dynamics, the purpose of travel, and moral progress.
  • Gulliver's Travels raises questions about the value and impact of satire in understanding human nature and social issues.

Deep dives

The Plight of Men in Modern Economies

The book explores the challenges faced by men in modern economies, highlighting the gender disparities in college completion rates and academic achievement. It argues that public policies often fail to address the unique struggles of men, and advocates for measures such as paid leave for fathers and increasing the number of male teachers. The book also proposes the idea of red-shirting boys, starting them one year later in kindergarten, to address some of the disparities. However, it is criticized for overlooking the broader feminist understanding of how patriarchy harms men as well. It raises questions about the limitations of travel in understanding oneself and happiness, drawing parallels to the stories of Gulliver's Travels and The Dispossessed. It concludes by suggesting that men and women are more different than previously thought and highlights the need to recognize and address these differences in policy-making.

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