What Forges a Nation | Guest: The Prudentialist | 10/11/23
Oct 11, 2023
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The Prudentialist, a YouTuber and columnist, joins the host to discuss what forms a nation. They explore Joseph Demaistery's argument against the Enlightenment belief of a nation formed through the will of the people. They delve into the challenges of multiculturalism and national identity, the birth and development of nations and governments, the balancing act of powers and vulnerabilities in the American system, the limitations of originalism and textualism in conservative thinking, and Demaestra's predictions in the Enlightenment era. They also discuss the impact of laws, traditions, and religion on nation-building.
A nation's birth is rooted in a common identity and shared religion, not just social contracts or laws.
Civilizations are shaped by divine intervention and great leaders, not just human creations like constitutions or laws.
A nation's strength lies in a shared cultural and moral vision ingrained in its people, not excessive legislation or constantly amending laws.
Deep dives
The Birth of Nations: A Common Identity and Religion
According to the podcast, the birth of a nation is not solely the result of a social contract or the will of the people, but rather it is rooted in a common identity and a shared religion. This foundation is what creates a nation and sets its character. The podcast argues against the idea that a nation can be formed solely through a written constitution or laws. It emphasizes the importance of a nation having a common vision and understanding of the world, which arises from shared traditions, language, and moral values.
Importance of Divine Intervention and Great Leaders
The podcast highlights the significant role of divine intervention and great leaders in the formation and development of civilizations. It asserts that civilizations are not purely human creations, but rather emerge from a set of ideas and traditions shaped by a nation's character and its leaders. The podcast argues against the notion that constitutions and laws come first, stating that they are established after the birth of a nation to reinforce and preserve what already exists. It warns against the secularization and rationalization of governance, emphasizing the need for a connection to the divine and highlighting the importance of leaders who can shape a nation's identity.
The Weakness of Planning and Writing Down Laws
The podcast cautions against relying solely on planning and writing down laws to govern a nation, as it weakens the civilization. It argues that a nation's strength lies in a shared cultural and moral vision, ingrained in the hearts of its people, rather than in excessive legislation. The podcast suggests that constantly justifying and amending laws reflects a lack of confidence and stability within the nation. It highlights the example of Sparta, where the most perfect constitution was never written down, emphasizing the importance of cultural transmission and the preservation of traditional values.
The Importance of Tradition and Divinely-inspired Governments
Demester emphasizes the importance of recognizing the connection between governments and divine influence. He argues that governments should be built upon the foundations of ancient historical and divine axioms, such as those seen in Rome, Greece, and Switzerland. Demester warns of the dangers of purely human reason without a moral vision connected to metaphysics and divinity, stating that such reason can tear a country apart. He also highlights the need for governments to be formed based on the particularities and character of their people, rather than trying to create something completely new.
The Failings of Pure Reason and Importance of Religion in Politics
Demester critiques the idea that pure reason can solve political issues and suggests that relying solely on reason, detached from tradition and religion, is absurd and destructive. He highlights the marriage of religion and politics, arguing that politics must be supported by a supernatural foundation to overcome human weakness. Demester warns against ignoring the importance of culture, traditions, and historical context when creating and interpreting laws. He criticizes the French Revolution as an example of the dangers of disregarding the religious and historical foundations of a nation. He concludes that the relationship between politics and religion is inevitable and that attempting to separate them completely leads to the destruction of governments.
What forms a nation? Do governments, constitutions, and the popular will define a people, or is it something more? YouTuber and columnist the Prudentialist joins me as we view the question through the lens of political theorist Joseph de Maistre.
