516. Michael Malice: A Clinical Analysis

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Jan 20, 2025

Michael Malice, an author and commentator known for his take on anarchism and cultural critique, engages in a thought-provoking conversation. They delve into the nature of totalitarian evil and societal motivations behind it. Malice discusses the dangers of superficial moralizing and its effect on psychological behavior. The discussion also touches on the importance of personal pursuits in an AI-dominated future, the complexities of self-identity, and the role of the trickster archetype in navigating social interactions and political landscapes.

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INSIGHT

Self-Prioritization Paradox

Prioritizing your local self and maximizing it in the present can lead to sacrificing the future and isolating yourself.
True happiness isn't about maximizing the local self but integrating it into harmonious relationships with others and the future.

ADVICE

Self-Actualization in Career

Early in your career, self-actualization may not be possible due to the need to subordinate yourself to superiors.
Strive to create a harmonious environment where you are liked, respected, and admired, allowing you to be yourself.

ANECDOTE

Goldman Sachs vs. Writing

Michael Malice recounts his time at Goldman Sachs, where he prioritized his writing over overtime, a choice his coworkers couldn't understand.
He valued his time for writing because it aligned with his personal identity and aspirations.

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Stephen King

Published in 1986, 'It' is a horror novel by Stephen King that follows the experiences of seven children in Derry, Maine, as they are terrorized by an evil entity known as 'It'. The story alternates between two periods: 1958, when the children first encounter 'It', and 1985, when they reunite as adults to confront the monster once more. 'It' takes on various forms to exploit the fears of its victims, most commonly appearing as the clown Pennywise. The novel explores themes of childhood trauma, the power of memory, and the enduring impact of evil on the lives of its victims. It is known for its detailed world-building and the vivid depiction of the fictional town of Derry, where the story unfolds[1][3][5].

Crime and Punishment

Bibliophile Bibliophile Pro

Constance Black Garnett

FYODOR DOSTOEVSKY

Published in 1866, 'Crime and Punishment' is a psychological novel set in St. Petersburg, Russia. It revolves around Rodion Raskolnikov, an impoverished and intellectually gifted former student who formulates a theory that some individuals are morally justified in committing crimes for the greater good of society. Raskolnikov puts this theory to the test by murdering an old pawnbroker and her half-sister, leading to a profound exploration of his psychological and emotional struggles with guilt, paranoia, and the consequences of his actions. The novel delves into socio-economic disparities, moral dilemmas, and the psychology of criminals, making it a classic of Russian literature and existential thought[2][4][5].

Dear Reader

The Unauthorized Autobiography of Kim Jong Il

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.

Illiberal Reformers

Race, Eugenics & American Economics in the Progressive Era

Thomas C. Leonard

In this book, Thomas C. Leonard explores the original mission of the progressives during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He discusses how the progressives, driven by an evangelical compulsion to reform society, founded research universities and modern social sciences. The book delves into the role of eugenics and racial theories in shaping American economic policies during this period, highlighting the complex and often illiberal nature of progressive reforms.

Panzram: A Journal of Murder

Thomas E. Gaddis

Carl Panzram

This book is a gripping memoir and self-analysis by Carl Panzram, who was born in 1891 on a Minnesota farm and died in 1930 on the gallows at the U.S. Penitentiary, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. Panzram was imprisoned for most of his life from the age of twelve and was brutally punished. His journal graphically illustrates the arbitrary cruelty of his fellow human beings, details of prison abuses, and his own sordid and tragic life. The authors add an historical and sociological framework to Panzram's words, providing a warning from America's past to the new prison-industrial complex era.