The Profusion of Philosophical and Practical Genie

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In the late 18th century, there was an impressive group of brilliant minds in America and Britain. They were deeply involved in the political and philosophical landscape of the time. However, we may wonder why we don't see such a concentration of genius today. The answer lies in the unique circumstances of that period which attracted highly talented individuals. While we still have impressive people today, times of crisis tend to bring out extraordinary abilities. This suggests that the presence of exceptional individuals in history is not a coincidence but rather a response to the demands of the time.

Yuval Levin, author of The Great Debate: Edmund Burke, Thomas Paine, and the Birth of Right and Left, talks to EconTalk host Russ Roberts about the ideas of Burke and Paine and their influence on the evolution of political philosophy. Levin outlines the differing approaches of the two thinkers to liberty, authority, and how reform and change should take place. Other topics discussed include Hayek's view of tradition, Cartesian rationalism, the moral high ground in politics, and how the "right and left" division of American politics finds its roots in the debates of these thinkers from the 1700s.