Visual Order is Not Always Efficient

1min Snip

00:00

Play full episode

Summary

Transcript

Episode notes

Assuming that visual order equates to efficiency is a common misconception. Complex systems, like the intestines of a rabbit or the layout of a vibrant city, often appear chaotic but are finely tuned to serve their purposes. The aesthetic simplicity seen from an aerial viewpoint can mislead architects and planners, as it overlooks the intricate, lived experiences within neighborhoods. Thriving urban environments benefit from mixed use, featuring diverse amenities and social spaces, which contribute to their appeal and effectiveness for residents.

In one of his final extended interviews, which was recorded three years before his recent death, the late anthropologist James C. Scott and Yascha Mounk discuss the need to be vigilant about the ways in which states do violence to individuals and societies.

James C. Scott was the Sterling professor of political science and anthropology at Yale University. Scott is the author of major works including Seeing Like a State: How Certain Schemes to Improve the Human Condition Have Failed and Against the Grain: A Deep History of the Earliest States.

In this week’s conversation, Yascha Mounk and James Scott discuss whether we ought to give "two cheers" for anarchism, why the state is here to stay, and the ongoing crisis in Myanmar.

This transcript has been condensed and lightly edited for clarit y .

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.community

Podcast production by Jack Shields, and Brendan Ruberry

Connect with us!

Spotify | Apple | Google

Twitter: @Yascha_Mounk & @joinpersuasion

Youtube: Yascha Mounk

LinkedIn: Persuasion Community

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices