#402 – Michael Malice: Thanksgiving Pirate Special

166 snips

Nov 25, 2023

In this lively discussion, Michael Malice, a political thinker and author, shares his take on the complexity of human nature and societal dynamics. They explore the significance of gratitude and the power of humor in coping with life's challenges. Engaging anecdotes about unusual pets and childhood moments add a whimsical touch. Malice delves into the dualities of civility and chaos, while discussing personal growth through mentorship and cultural connections, making for a thought-provoking and entertaining conversation.

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ANECDOTE

Mantis Shrimp Pet

Michael Malice kept a peacock mantis shrimp as a pet, fascinated by its unique features and outlier status in the animal kingdom.
The shrimp, with its powerful punch and incredible eyesight, eventually died due to molting issues, but Malice still cherishes its punching appendages.

ANECDOTE

North Korea Book Reactions

When Malice mentions his book on North Korea, people often share their limited knowledge about the country, which he finds unnecessary.
He humorously points out that people feel compelled to offer opinions on everything, even when they admit to knowing little about the topic.

ANECDOTE

Humor in North Korea

Malice fondly recalls the humor he encountered in North Korea, highlighting the universality of laughter.
He notes the heartbreaking reality of the country's situation, emphasizing the shared humanity experienced through humor.

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Ego and Hubris

The Michael Malice Story

Harvey Pekar

Ego and Hubris: The Michael Malice Story is a graphic novel by Harvey Pekar that delves into the life of Michael Malice, a man known for his arrogance and self-centeredness. The book explores Malice's life from his childhood to his adult struggles, highlighting his confrontational nature and his adherence to objectivist principles. Pekar's narrative provides a nuanced and thought-provoking look at Malice's worldview, inviting readers to reflect on their own values and life choices.

The Satanization of the Jews

Camille Paglia

The last empire

Serhii Plokhy

In 'The Last Empire', Serhii Plokhy provides a detailed analysis of the Soviet Union's dissolution, challenging the narrative of its collapse as an American victory in the Cold War. Instead, he highlights the internal dynamics, particularly in Ukraine and Russia, that led to the Soviet Union's demise. The book draws on declassified documents and interviews to offer a nuanced understanding of this pivotal moment in history.

Police State

Dinesh D’Souza

Margaret Thatcher's bookcases

Margaret Thatcher

Thinking Mathematically

Linda Levi

Thomas P. Carpenter

Megan Loef Franke

The Gulag Archipelago

An Experiment in Literary Investigation

Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn

The Gulag Archipelago is a three-volume series written by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, exploring the Soviet labour camp system through a mix of historical narrative, personal accounts, and literary investigation. The book traces the history of the Gulag from Vladimir Lenin's decrees to the era of Nikita Khrushchev, detailing the arrest, conviction, transport, and imprisonment of prisoners. It includes Solzhenitsyn's own experiences as a Gulag prisoner and accounts from other inmates, highlighting the brutal conditions, forced labor, and the psychological and physical suffering of the prisoners. The work is a testament to the human spirit's struggle against evil and serves as a comprehensive critique of the Soviet regime's use of terror against its population[2][5][3].

The Gulag Archipelago

An Experiment in Literary Investigation

Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn

Alexander Hamilton

Ron Chernow

Ron Chernow's biography of Alexander Hamilton is a landmark work that provides a detailed and vivid account of Hamilton's life. It recounts his rise from an illegitimate, largely self-taught orphan from the Caribbean to becoming a key figure in American history. Hamilton served as George Washington’s aide-de-camp, coauthored The Federalist Papers, founded the Bank of New York, led the Federalist Party, and became the first Treasury Secretary of the United States. Chernow's work challenges traditional views of Hamilton, portraying him as a complex figure driven by passionate patriotism and a stubborn will to build American prosperity and power. The biography also explores his personal life, including his relationships, feuds, and his famous duel with Aaron Burr. It is not just a portrait of Hamilton but also a narrative of America’s birth seen through his central role in it.

Animal Farm

George Orwell

Published in 1945, 'Animal Farm' is a novella that allegorically represents the Russian Revolution and the subsequent rise of Stalinism. The story begins with Old Major, a boar, inspiring the animals of Manor Farm to rebel against their human oppressor, Mr. Jones. After the rebellion, the animals rename the farm 'Animal Farm' and establish a utopian society based on the principles of equality and solidarity, known as Animalism. However, as time passes, the pigs, led by Napoleon and Snowball, consolidate power and gradually corrupt the original ideals, leading to a dystopian regime that mirrors the oppressive human rule they initially rebelled against. The novel critiques totalitarianism and the corrupting nature of power, reflecting Orwell's experiences and views on the Soviet Union under Stalin's rule.

Brave New World

Aldous Huxley

Written in 1931 and published in 1932, 'Brave New World' is a dystopian novel set in a futuristic World State where humans are bred in vitro and predestined into a rigid social hierarchy. The novel explores themes of technological advancement, social conditioning, and the loss of individuality and freedom. The story revolves around characters such as Bernard Marx, an Alpha who questions the society, Mustapha Mond, the World Controller, and John, a 'Savage' from a reservation who introduces elements of emotion and individuality into the highly controlled World State. The novel critiques the optimism of technological progress and its potential to create a society that values stability and happiness over humanity and freedom[2][4][5].

The Catcher in the Rye

J.D. Salinger

The Catcher in the Rye follows Holden Caulfield, a teenager who has been expelled from Pencey Prep, as he spends three days wandering around New York City. The novel explores Holden's disillusionment with the world around him, his feelings of loneliness and disconnection, and his struggle to find genuine relationships. Despite his cynicism and criticism of others as 'phonies,' Holden reveals a deep emotional sensitivity, particularly in his interactions with his younger sister Phoebe. The book delves into themes of adolescent angst, the loss of innocence, and the search for meaning and purpose in a seemingly superficial world[2][4][5].

1984

None

George Orwell

Published in 1949, '1984' is a cautionary tale by George Orwell that explores the dangers of totalitarianism. The novel is set in a dystopian future where the world is divided into three super-states, with the protagonist Winston Smith living in Oceania, ruled by the mysterious and omnipotent leader Big Brother. Winston works at the Ministry of Truth, where he rewrites historical records to conform to the Party's ever-changing narrative. He begins an illicit love affair with Julia and starts to rebel against the Party, but they are eventually caught and subjected to brutal torture and indoctrination. The novel highlights themes of government surveillance, manipulation of language and history, and the suppression of individual freedom and independent thought.

The Plague

Albert Camus

The Plague, written by Albert Camus, is a philosophical novel that chronicles an outbreak of the bubonic plague in the coastal city of Oran, Algeria. The story is often interpreted as an allegory for the occupation of France during World War II and the rise of fascism. The novel follows Dr. Bernard Rieux and his colleagues as they battle the plague, highlighting themes of everyday heroism, the absurdity of human suffering, and the collective response to disaster. As the city is placed under quarantine, the citizens face isolation, despair, and eventually, a sense of social responsibility and solidarity. The novel explores existential and theological questions, particularly through the characters of Dr. Rieux and Father Paneloux, and concludes with a reflection on the enduring nature of human suffering and the importance of human solidarity in the face of adversity.

The White Pill

Michael Malice

The Anarchist Handbook

Michael Malice

The New Right

A Journey to the Fringe of American Politics

Michael Malice

Michael Malice's "The New Right" delves into the complexities of the American right-wing, exploring its various factions and ideologies. The book examines the historical evolution of the movement, tracing its roots and influences. Malice analyzes key figures and their impact on the political landscape. He also discusses the role of social media and other factors in shaping the contemporary right. The book offers a critical yet insightful perspective on the American right, challenging conventional narratives and prompting further discussion.

Dear Reader

The Unauthorized Autobiography of Kim Jong Il

Michael Malice