Keen On America

In this engaging discussion, Harvard historian Sven Beckert explores the complex history of capitalism, highlighting its roots in merchant communities and the significant role of slavery in American capitalism. He challenges the notion that alternatives to capitalism could return us to a romanticized pre-capitalist era, arguing that such a regression is both impossible and undesirable. Beckert even delves into the implications of AI on future economic systems, emphasizing the need for political actions to address inequality and environmental challenges in our capitalist framework.

Michael Cox, a London-based football journalist and author renowned for his tactical insights, dives into the contrasting legacies of Messi and Maradona. He praises Messi's extraordinary skills but critiques his lack of captivating personality compared to Maradona's theatrical flair. They explore the cultural hurdles in English football that stifle creative geniuses. Cox also reflects on the historical significance of players like Di Stéfano and the shifting dynamics of football's greatest rivalries, emphasizing that the sport thrives on both technical brilliance and captivating narratives.

Maradona, Pele or Messi? It’s the eternal debate. Who is the greatest footballer of all time? According to The Soccer 100, The Athletic’s new book ranking football’s hundred greatest players, the answer is Messi. But the North London based contributor Amy Lawrence cast a dissenting vote: she chose Pelé, deferring to those who witnessed the Brazilian king’s dominance firsthand. The book’s official ranking places Maradona second, Pelé third, then Cruyff, Ronaldo, and Di Stefano. But the list reveals something more interesting than rankings: the impossibility of comparing eras. How do we judge players like Alfredo Di Stefano or Ferenc Puskas we’ve only seen in grainy footage against those, like Messi or Ronaldo, whose every touch has been televised? And why do great footballers like Diego Maradona —masters of intelligence on the pitch—sometimes become such flawed and tragic figures off it?1. The Pelé Problem: Why Nostalgia Matters Amy Lawrence voted for Pelé as number one, even though The Athletic’s collective ranking placed Messi first. Her reasoning? “When I grew up, when you spoke to people who were older than you, there wasn’t a debate. Pelé was the best.” She deferred to those who witnessed him live—a rare admission that nostalgia might actually be wisdom, not sentimentality.2. Maradona’s Genius Was Inseparable from His Madness Lawrence describes Maradona as playing “with a madness...there was something of the kind of intense creative artist about him.” He was a street footballer thrust into Italian mafia management, hacked and kicked because defenders “couldn’t stop him by playing football.” His 1986 World Cup remains the most dominant individual performance in history—but his life became the cautionary tale of what happens when raw genius meets extreme celebrity.3. Cruyff Was the Anti-Ronaldo Johan Cruyff “encouraged everybody to think instead of just watch”—a philosopher-footballer who “was a bit of a rebel” and famously skipped the 1978 World Cup (possibly because his wife didn’t trust him with the ladies). Contrast that with Cristiano Ronaldo, whom Lawrence describes as “built by design”—the AI-generated footballer, all machine, no poetry. If Ronaldo represents modern football’s corporate efficiency, Cruyff embodied its lost intellectual soul.4. Women Journalists Don’t Play the Gender Card—But Maybe They Should Lawrence, possibly the only woman among the ten journalists who compiled The Soccer 100, says she “never played the women’s card” when arguing for players. But she admits that being a woman in a male-dominated field made her “just a bit more memorable” and perhaps allowed for “a slightly more sensitive line of questioning” that helped players relax. It’s a fascinating tension: rejecting gender as relevant while acknowledging its subtle advantages.5. The Impossibility of Comparing Eras Makes These Lists Meaningless—and Essential How do you compare Di Stefano (whom most people have only seen in grainy footage) with Messi (whose entire career has been televised)? Or account for the fact that modern players rack up goals against Lithuania and Andorra, while older players “never got able to pick up goals playing against” minnows? Lawrence acknowledges “there was never any pretense that this was some kind of definitive list”—yet we need these lists anyway, because they force us to articulate what we value in greatness itself.Keen On America is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit keenon.substack.com/subscribe

Johan Norberg, a Swedish writer and historian known for his insights on globalization and progress, discusses the decline of civilizations in his latest work. He argues that when societies, like Sparta, turn inward, they stifle innovation and decline. This raises alarms about contemporary trends in America, Russia, and China. Norberg emphasizes the importance of openness and pluralism and critiques the MAGA movement for undermining democratic traditions. He highlights that stagnant empires, marked by extreme nationalism, are particularly dangerous as they resist progress.

Keith Teare, a tech entrepreneur and commentator, dives into the AI-driven future and the angst surrounding it. He identifies a critical policy gap: while AI may create wealth, there's no framework to ensure it's shared. Teare is skeptical of top-down solutions and suggests that true abundance will emerge from the masses, challenging elitist narratives. He discusses the potential of technologies like clean energy and AI in healthcare to enhance access, warning against corporate dominance in place of government.

Fareed Zakaria, a renowned journalist and author, explores the intriguing Zakaria paradox of our time: amidst revolutionary changes, reactionary politics flourish. He discusses how Trump tapped into a new Republican base fueled by resentment and warns that the backlash against globalization and technological advances is a long-term trend. Zakaria also connects historical shifts in liberalism to modern struggles, emphasizing the role of technology and individualism in shaping cultural conversations. His call for progressive liberals centers on resilience and a hopeful message.

Susanne Paola Antonetta, an author specializing in psychiatry and eugenics, explores the chilling influence of American eugenics on Nazi euthanasia programs. She reveals that early American eugenicists provided a template for Nazi policies, including gas chamber proposals. Importantly, she discusses the brutal Action T4 program, which resulted in the deaths of 300,000 individuals with neuropsychiatric disorders. Antonetta also highlights the moral complexities faced by doctors and advocates for a more nuanced dialogue on contemporary issues like gene editing and neurodiversity rights.

Chris Matthews, a seasoned political commentator and author known for his deep dive into Robert F. Kennedy's life, celebrates Bobby's enduring relevance. He highlights how Bobby's vulnerability made him relatable and emphasizes the moral transformation he underwent after witnessing civil rights violence. Matthews shares Bobby's crucial lesson on conceding defeat as vital for democracy, explores his complex relationships with figures like MLK and LBJ, and reminisces about the impact of the Kennedy legacy, all while illustrating why Bobby still matters today.

Cultural commentator David Masciotra joins to dissect Hollywood's recent troubles and why Gen Z is disengaging from cinema. He discusses the irony of 25 films flopping despite quality offerings and analyzes Paul Thomas Anderson's 'One Battle After Another' as a cultural touchstone. They explore the success of female leads like Jennifer Lawrence and Emma Stone, contrasting their appeal with a nostalgic male-centric industry. Masciotra also critiques the lack of engagement from young audiences, highlighting evolving gender dynamics in film.

Kristin Collier, a university professor and author of "What Debt Demands," shares her shocking story of discovering $200,000 in fraudulent student loans taken out by her mother. She explores how modern student debt resembles serfdom, with significant reforms making it nearly impossible to discharge during bankruptcy. Kristin advocates for debt cancellation and free public education, drawing parallels with global models. She highlights the emotional toll of debt and the need for systemic change to prevent financial instability.