Jonah Goldberg goes on an epic rant about free speech absolutism and the legacy of Liberal Fascism. He raises questions about antisemitism, Nazis, and how to stay positive. The podcast also explores the flaws of DEI, role of higher education under the Nazis, impact of Darwinism, and conservatism's relationship to democracy.
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Quick takeaways
The misuse of scientific concepts, such as Darwinian evolution, can lead to the propagation of harmful ideologies and the distortion of scientific meaning and implications.
The intellectual shift away from universalist commitments and towards nationalism and Nietzschean pragmatism in the early 20th century resulted in a rise in racism and bigotry, eroding the foundations of liberalism and fueling extremism.
Contrary to popular belief, capitalism itself was not the driving force behind harmful ideologies; instead, the incorporation of faulty science, like social Darwinism, into society fueled xenophobia and nationalist sentiments.
Deep dives
The Influence of Darwinian Thinking on Nazi Ideology
Darwinian theory, while scientifically valid, had unintended consequences when applied to social and political contexts. The introduction of Darwinian thinking reinforced ideas about ethnic purity and superiority, particularly within the Aryan-Jew conflict. This notion of racial competition and struggle led to the belief that the Aryan race, defined by superficial features, was destined to dominate over other races. This kind of thinking took root and spread rapidly, fueling ideas about ethnic cleansing and genocide. Additionally, the emphasis on youth participation in Nazi Germany, driven by a cult of action and political activism, further propagated these dangerous ideas. Universities were transformed into incubators of Nazi ideology and students were encouraged to prioritize political action over academic pursuit. These events highlight the potential for scientific theories to be misapplied and the devastating consequences that can result.
The Treason of Intellectuals and the Erosion of Liberalism
Intellectuals in the early 20th century, seduced by nationalist movements and Nietzschean pragmatism, turned away from their previous universalist commitments. This intellectual shift led to a rise in racism and bigotry, as notions of irreconcilable racial struggles gained traction. A dangerous combination of anti-Semitism and the devaluing of universally held ideals took hold, eroding the foundations of liberalism and fueling extremism. The cult of action and experimentation replaced the pursuit of knowledge for its own sake, furthering the disintegration of intellectual integrity. Academic freedom was redefined to align with Nazi ideology, suppressing dissenting views and paving the way for totalitarian rule. These betrayals of intellect and morality demonstrate how ideas and beliefs can be co-opted and perverted for harmful ends.
The Co-optation of Science and the Fallacy of Scientism
The misuse of scientific concepts, such as Darwinian evolution, has led to dangerous and false beliefs. While the scientific validity of Darwinian theory is widely accepted, its metaphorical application has resulted in the propagation of harmful ideologies. The notion of racial competition and the belief in ethnic superiority find footing through the misapplication of evolutionary theory. This misuse of science, known as scientism, occurs when scientific concepts are applied to non-scientific fields, thereby distorting their meaning and implications. The rise of social Darwinism and its influence on the Nazis reflect how scientific language and concepts can be manipulated to serve oppressive and destructive ideologies.
The Problematic Influence of Capitalism and Xenophobia
Contrary to popular belief, capitalism itself was not the driving force behind harmful ideologies. Instead, the incorporation of faulty science, like social Darwinism, into society fueled xenophobia and nationalist sentiments. Prior to the introduction of Darwinian thinking, the cultural norm amongst the wealthy was to prioritize caring for the less fortunate. However, the propagation of social Darwinism shifted this mindset, promoting the idea of competition between races. This ideology replaced the sense of moral obligation with divisive notions of superiority and led to the abandonment of philanthropic principles. The influence of xenophobic thinking stemmed from the misuse of scientific concepts rather than inherent flaws within capitalism itself.
The Influence of Darwinian Ideas on Nazi Ideology
The podcast discusses the influence of Darwinian ideas on Nazi ideology. It delves into how the concept of survival of the fittest and the idea of genetically unfit individuals being unworthy of life were used to justify sterilization and the devaluation of compassion. The speaker also explores the connection between the progressive era in the United States and the belief in nations as biological entities that should eliminate parasitical or undesirable groups. While capitalism involves competition, the idea of liquidating undesirable populations or classes does not come from capitalism, but rather from the notion of dispensable groups and classes espoused by Darwin and later embraced by Marx.
The Importance of Upholding Democratic Norms and Constitutionalism
The podcast emphasizes the significance of upholding democratic norms and constitutionalism. It highlights the dangers of discarding these principles in the pursuit of power, whether by left-wing or right-wing ideologies. The speaker argues against the idea that everything becomes permissible in the face of perceived progressive abuses, stressing that giving in to this mentality undermines the foundations of democracy. He asserts the importance of adhering to and defending the Constitution, even if it means being outnumbered, rather than succumbing to the belief that liberty can only be preserved through disregard for established rules. The discussion emphasizes the need to maintain a principled republic and to value the enduring traditions of individual liberty, community, and American ideals.
Jonah’s even more bleary-eyed than usual on today’s Ruminant, which begins innocently enough before transforming into an epic rant of astonishingly nerdy proportions. After opening with a few thoughts on why free speech absolutism might actually not be something to strive for, he dives into an ultra-indulgent reflection on the legacy of Liberal Fascism prompted by a recent Niall Ferguson piece on the goals of higher education. Listeners with a penchant for intellectual history will delight in the esoteric questions raised: How did antisemitism originate? What did the Nazis do to change institutions? And how can members of the Remnant remain in high spirits?
