

Solzhenitsyn’s Harvard Address w/ Gary Saul Morson
Oct 1, 2024
In this enlightening discussion, Gary Saul Morson, an esteemed professor of Russian literature, dives into Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn's provocative 1978 Harvard address. He unpacks its critiques of legalism and elite conformity, emphasizing how these hinder true moral engagement. Morson explores Solzhenitsyn's legacy, where courage in the face of oppression is central, and highlights the risks of groupthink in modern journalism. This conversation sheds light on the importance of seeking genuine truths amid cultural complacency.
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Intro
00:00 • 2min
The Legacy of Alexander Solzhenitsyn
01:50 • 24min
Critique of Legalism and Moral Philosophy
25:44 • 10min
The Psychology of Elitism and Conformity
35:19 • 2min
Groupthink and the Crisis of Truth in Journalism
37:03 • 17min
The Moral Beacon: Dissidents and the Defense of Dignity
54:25 • 3min
Courage and Legacy of Russian Dissidents
56:55 • 18min