Thomas Sowell and Jordan Peterson on why Marxism is so appealing

Summary

In this thought-provoking discussion, the speaker explores the enduring appeal of Marxism, tracing its roots to the mid-1800s and its influence on contemporary ideologies, particularly in educational settings. They delve into the utopian vision of early communists, the dark side of resentment and envy inherent in Marxist thought, and its evolution into post-modernism and identity politics. The conversation also touches on the speaker's personal journey from Marxism to skepticism, influenced by government experience and the realization of self-serving government agencies.

Takeaways

• 📚 The speaker reflects on the enduring nature of Marxism, noting its roots in the mid-1800s and its influence on modern ideologies, especially in educational settings like college campuses.
• 🌏 The early communists, particularly the Russians, are described as having a utopian vision, which the speaker contrasts with the darker, resentful aspects of modern Marxism.
• 👑 The speaker mentions the crumbling of old European aristocratic structures and the aftermath of a terrible war, suggesting these as fertile grounds for the rise of Marxism.
• 🔮 Nietzsche's prophecy about communism, which foresaw the death of hundreds of millions, is highlighted as a remarkable insight into the potential consequences of such ideologies.
• 💔 The script touches on the human spirit's 'cane-like' element, where envy and resentment are justified by the belief that those who have more acquired it unjustly.
• 🌱 The speaker criticizes an anti-human ethos within environmentalism, comparing it to the genocidal spirit that can underlie some Marxist ideologies.
• 🏛 The resurgence of Marxism is attributed to unexamined resentment and a biased education system that omits the history of brutal regimes, such as those of Stalin and Mao.
• 📉 The speaker's personal journey from being a Marxist in his twenties to questioning the ideology is outlined, with his experiences in government and academia playing a pivotal role.
• 🏛️ The influence of Milton Friedman's economic theories and the realization of government self-interest are cited as turning points in the speaker's ideological shift.
• 🌐 The script discusses the transformation of Marxism into post-modernism and identity politics, indicating a strategic shift in its influence rather than a decline.
• 🏢 The speaker warns of the infiltration of mid-level bureaucracies by ideologies that may not have the public's best interests at heart, advocating for vigilance against such power shifts.

Q & A

Why does the speaker believe Marxism has been so influential, especially on college campuses?

The speaker suggests that Marxism has been influential because it offers a utopian vision that can be attractive, especially in times of social and political upheaval. It also appeals to the resentful side of human nature by suggesting that those who have more have stolen it from others.

What does the speaker attribute the dark side of Marxism to?

The speaker attributes the dark side of Marxism to a philosophy of resentment and a pathological anti-human ethos, which justifies envy and actions to level the playing field, often under the guise of virtue.

How does the speaker connect the environmentalist movement with the resentful philosophy of Marxism?

The speaker connects the environmentalist movement with Marxism by pointing out that some environmentalists view humans as a cancer on the planet, which is a genocidal sentiment that aligns with the resentful philosophy of Marxism.

What does the speaker identify as a major factor contributing to the resurgence of Marxism?

The speaker identifies the biased education system, which often omits the history of brutal regimes under Marxism, as a major factor contributing to its resurgence.

Why did the speaker initially find Marxism appealing?

The speaker found Marxism appealing because it seemed to explain the world around him, particularly the stark contrast between wealth and poverty he witnessed during his early years.

What event or realization led to the speaker's change in perspective on Marxism?

The speaker's perspective changed after working in the federal government, where he realized that government agencies often act in their own self-interest rather than for the public good.

How does the speaker describe the transformation of Marxism in contemporary times?

The speaker describes the transformation of Marxism into post-modernism and identity politics, which has taken a new strategic approach by infiltrating mid-level bureaucracies.

What is the speaker's view on the effectiveness of government in addressing social issues?

The speaker believes that government is not the answer to social issues, as evidenced by his experience with the minimum wage setting in Puerto Rico and the self-interested behavior of government agencies.

What was the speaker's approach to determining the impact of minimum wage increases in Puerto Rico?

The speaker attempted to find a factual basis to test the competing theories about the impact of minimum wage increases by seeking statistics on the amount of sugarcane standing in the field before hurricanes hit.

How does the speaker describe the reaction of his colleagues when he suggested collecting sugarcane statistics?

The speaker describes the reaction as shock, as if he had stumbled upon something that could ruin the status quo of the government agency's self-interest.

What does the speaker suggest is the primary motivation of government agencies?

The speaker suggests that government agencies are primarily motivated by their own self-interest, which includes maintaining their positions and income, rather than serving the public good.