The Opinions David Brooks on Staying Humane in Inhumane Times
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Dec 2, 2024 
In this discussion, David Brooks, a New York Times columnist, reflects on maintaining humanity in today's harsh world. He explores wisdom from ancient Athens and Jerusalem, emphasizing the importance of kindness and humility amid brutality. Brooks delves into the balance between empathy and rationality, sharing insights from historical figures like James Baldwin. Ultimately, he advocates for embodying seemingly contradictory behaviors to navigate our challenging times with integrity and compassion.
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Learning from Ancient Wisdom
- Learn from the past to navigate brutal times.
- Explore the wisdom of Athens and Jerusalem.
Greek Tragic Sensibility
- The Greeks, facing constant warfare, developed a tragic sensibility.
- This taught them humility and suspicion of rage.
Suspect Rage
- Suspect rage, as it blinds you to reality.
- Rage simplifies the world and desensitizes you to horror.