Finding comfort and hope in theistic beliefs

1min Snip

00:00

Play full episode

Summary

Transcript

Episode notes

The belief in God or theistic cultures provides comfort in situations where one faces the impossible or feels trapped. Believers turn to God when dealing with the loss of a loved one or when in hopeless circumstances. However, not everyone turns to God in dire situations, and some atheists may have been believers before facing adversity. The experience of Russian writer Valam Shalamov surviving in harsh camps in Soviet Russia reflects the human capacity to endure extreme suffering.

John Gray is a philosopher and writer renowned for his critical examination of liberalism, atheism, and the human condition. His unique perspective is shaped over a decades-long career, during which he has authored influential books on topics ranging from political theory to what we can learn from cats about on how to live a good life. His latest book, The New Leviathans: Thoughts After Liberalism, delivers a provocative examination of the 2020s' political landscape, challenges liberal triumphalism with a realistic critique of ongoing global crises and the persistent allure of human delusions.

Tyler and John sat down to discuss his latest book, including who he thinks will carry on his work, what young people should learn if liberalism is dead, whether modern physics allows for true atheism, what in Eastern Orthodoxy attracts him, the benefits of pessimism, what philanthropic cause he’d invest a billion dollars in, under what circumstances he’d sacrifice his life, what he makes of UFOs, the current renaissance in film and books, whether Monty Python is still funny, how Herman Melville influenced him, who first spotted his talent, his most unusual work habit, what he’ll do next, and more.

Donate to Conversations with Tyler and help us keep the conversations going.

Read a full transcript enhanced with helpful links, or watch the full video.

Recorded October 24th, 2023.

Other ways to connect

Follow us on X and Instagram
Follow Tyler on X
Join our Discord
Email us: cowenconvos@mercatus.gmu.edu
Learn more about Conversations with Tyler and other Mercatus Center podcasts here.