William Deresiewicz

William Deresiewicz is an American author, essayist, and critic. He taught English at Yale University from 1998 to 2008. He is the author, among other books, of Excellent Sheep: The Miseducation of the American Elite and the Way to a Meaningful Life.In this week’s conversation, Yascha Mounk and William Deresiewicz discuss how the intensely meritocratic nature of elite universities prioritizes striving over deep learning; the instrumentalization of traditional pursuits to the detriment of mastery; and how broader cultural transformations frustrate deep immersion in art, friendship, and learning.This transcript has been condensed and lightly edited for clarity.Please do listen and spread the word about The Good Fight.If you have not yet signed up for our podcast, please do so now by following this link on your phone.Email: podcast@persuasion.community Website: http://www.persuasion.communityPodcast production by John Taylor Williams, and Brendan RuberryConnect with us!Spotify | Apple | GoogleTwitter: @Yascha_Mounk & @joinpersuasionYoutube: Yascha MounkLinkedIn: Persuasion CommunityLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

William Deresiewicz, a Yale English professor turned author, discusses the growing disconnect between academia and the real world. He shares insights on how political ideologies in academic institutions are shifting post-2024 election, particularly as voters in traditional liberal cities seek moderate alternatives. Deresiewicz highlights the cultural versus economic concerns influencing electoral choices and addresses the misunderstandings surrounding Latino perspectives in elite circles, revealing crucial dynamics shaping public sentiment.

There’s a growing feeling amongst Americans that we’re suffering a crisis of leadership in our government, families, and businesses. People seem less independent and autonomous, and more directed by others. What's behind this lackluster leadership and what's the solution?My guest today argues that the problem has to do with the way we're bringing up what he calls "excellent sheep," and that the solution is equal doses of deep solitude and deep friendship. His name is William Deresiewicz and he’s the author of several books and speeches, including A Jane Austen Education, Excellent Sheep, and Solitude and Leadership. Today on the show, William and I discuss what most so-called leaders get wrong about leadership and why learning to be alone with your thoughts helps forge better leaders. We discuss the history of friendship, why friends are so hard to make as an adult, and what you can do to form deeper relationships. William and I also talk about how young people can stop being “excellent sheep,” and jumping through the hoops other people put in front of them in order to start living on their own terms. We cap our conversation with an exploration on why men should give Jane Austen a chance and the life lessons we can get from her novels.This is an eclectic, but wisdom-filled podcast. You're definitely going to hear something you'll end up mentally chewing on for days to come.

Author of 'Excellent Sheep', William Deresiewicz, discusses the flaws of elite education, affirmative action for men, and the value of college vs. working at Denny's. They also touch on gender imbalances in higher education and societal perceptions of Ivy League graduates.

William Deresiewicz discusses the importance of solitude in leadership, challenging conventional views on leadership. He explores the traits of effective leaders, the pressures of academic competition, and the significance of independent thinking. The conversation emphasizes the value of introspection, moral courage, and ethical preparedness in leadership roles.