#253 – Michael Malice: New Year’s Special

76 snips

Dec 31, 2021

Michael Malice, a political thinker and author known for works like The Anarchist Handbook, shares his insights on the nuances of human relationships and cultural divides. He explores the balance between suffering and joy, discussing how trials shape our understanding of happiness. The conversation also delves into navigating complex political climates, the evolution of cultural hubs, and the importance of friendship despite differing beliefs. Through humor and thoughtful reflections, Malice emphasizes resilience and the power of personal connections.

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INSIGHT

Beauty, Hope, and Cynicism

Beauty inspires hope and proves perfection can exist.
It's a prerequisite for a better world and motivates us to fight for our values.

ANECDOTE

Solzhenitsyn on Beauty

Solzhenitsyn initially dismissed Dostoevsky's "beauty will save the world" as naive.
Later, he reconsidered, viewing beauty as a powerful force when truth and goodness are suppressed.

INSIGHT

Goodness, Truth, and Beauty

Michael Malice values goodness most, believing it's essential for appreciating beauty.
He argues that goodness becomes rarer with age, contrary to societal acceptance of doing wrong.

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The Idiot

Fyodor Dostoevsky

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The Machiavellians

James Burnham

James Burnham's "The Machiavellians" is a seminal work in political philosophy that analyzes the ideas of several influential thinkers, including Pareto, Mosca, and Sorel. Burnham examines their theories on power, elites, and the dynamics of political systems. The book challenges traditional notions of democracy and explores the role of elites in shaping society. Burnham's analysis offers a critical perspective on power structures and their influence on political outcomes. The book remains relevant for its insights into the enduring nature of power dynamics.

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.

Dear Reader

The Unauthorized Autobiography of Kim Jong Il

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The White Pill

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The Myth of Sisyphus

Albert Camus

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The Anarchist Handbook

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The Virtue of Nationalism

Yoram Hazony

In 'The Virtue of Nationalism,' Yoram Hazony presents a case for the nation-state as the optimal form of government, emphasizing its role in protecting personal and collective freedom. He argues that nationalism, based on bonds of mutual loyalty to a shared culture and history, provides social cohesion and trust necessary for civil and political liberties. Hazony contrasts nationalism with both historical empires and modern forms of global governance, such as the United Nations, which he sees as imposing a universal standard that is intolerant of cultural differences. The book explores the historical roots of nationalism, particularly in the context of English, Dutch, and American Protestantism, and argues that a world of independent nations is more conducive to peace and freedom than a globalist or imperialist system[2][3][5].

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Grigoriĭ Petrovich Maksimov

Originally published in 1940, 'The Guillotine at Work' is a partly eyewitness account that critiques the Leninist counter-revolution. It details twenty years of terror in Russia, highlighting the regime's use of repression and violence. The book offers a unique perspective on the period, drawing from Maksimov's experiences and observations.

Not Quite What I Was Planning

Six-Word Memoirs by Writers Famous and Obscure

Rachel Fershleiser and Larry Smith

Stephen J. Dubner

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