DeepSummary
The episode features a wide-ranging conversation with conservative political commentator Ben Shapiro. They discuss Kanye West's anti-Semitic remarks, the nature of evil, and whether Shapiro has ever had a crisis of faith. Shapiro shares his perspective on political attacks from both the left and right, the war in Ukraine, and the ethics of abortion.
Shapiro reflects on his infamous BBC interview and provides insight into his daily routine and thought process. The conversation touches on complex topics like climate change, the role of God, tribalism, and what it means to be a good person. Shapiro also offers advice for young people and discusses the impact of social media.
Throughout the dialogue, Shapiro draws from his experiences, books he has read, and his Jewish faith. He aims to approach controversial subjects with nuance and address different perspectives, while firmly upholding his conservative values.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Shapiro maintains a nuanced, philosophical approach to complex issues like abortion and climate change, emphasizing context and pragmatism over hardline stances.
- He fiercely defends free speech and warns against censorship, even for views he disagrees with.
- Shapiro grapples with the personal toll of being a public figure and handling criticism and backlash.
- He advocates for nuclear energy as a solution to climate change, using it as a litmus test for those who claim to take the issue seriously.
- Shapiro aims to critique ideologies like "the left" rather than attacking individuals, though he acknowledges the potential for overgeneralization.
- He emphasizes the importance of fulfilling societal roles and finding meaning through responsibilities like family, community, and faith.
- Shapiro encourages young people to engage with their communities, read books, and be cautious about oversharing on social media before their brains fully develop.
- Throughout the conversation, he draws from his Jewish faith, philosophical texts, and personal experiences to frame his worldview.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “There are gradations of wrongs. I don't think that all abortions are equally blameworthy, even if I would ban virtually all of them.“ by Ben Shapiro
- “Freedom of speech and thought matters, especially when it is speech and thought with which we disagree. The moment the majority decides to destroy people for engaging a thought, it dislikes thought, crime becomes a reality.“ by Ben Shapiro
- “Nuclear energy is great. Nuclear energy is a proven source of energy, and we should be radically extending the use of nuclear energy. To me, honestly, this is like a litmus test question as to whether you take climate change seriously.“ by Ben Shapiro
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Episode Information
Lex Fridman Podcast
Lex Fridman
11/7/22
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EPISODE LINKS:
Ben's Twitter: https://twitter.com/benshapiro
Ben's Instagram: https://instagram.com/officialbenshapiro
Daily Wire: https://dailywire.com
Ben's Books:
The Authoritarian Moment: https://amzn.to/3T3RRJv
Facts (Still) Don't Care About Your Feelings: https://amzn.to/3T3Hwgs
How to Destroy America in Three Easy Steps: https://amzn.to/3fxmeKx
The Right Side of History: https://amzn.to/3E3jGgS
How to Debate Leftists and Destroy Them: https://amzn.to/3FLHR4z
Facts Don't Care about Your Feelings: https://amzn.to/3UrcBvL
Books mentioned:
The Strongman: https://amzn.to/3U8f2U7
Economics in One Lesson: https://amzn.to/3DWAbLA
The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self: https://amzn.to/3DTGlej
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OUTLINE:
Here's the timestamps for the episode. On some podcast players you should be able to click the timestamp to jump to that time.
(00:00) - Introduction
(07:07) - Kanye 'Ye' West
(14:47) - Hitler and the nature of evil
(22:53) - Political attacks on the left and the right
(28:37) - Quebec mosque shooting
(38:33) - Elon Musk buying Twitter
(51:36) - Trump and Biden
(56:09) - Hunter Biden's laptop
(1:07:42) - Candace Owens
(1:11:22) - War in Ukraine
(1:21:31) - Rhetoric vs truth
(1:26:26) - Infamous BBC interview
(1:29:42) - Day in the life
(1:44:37) - Abortion
(1:57:32) - Climate change
(2:04:55) - God and faith
(2:16:05) - Tribalism
(2:20:41) - Advice for young people
(2:24:26) - Andrew Breitbart
(2:26:56) - Self-doubt
(2:28:58) - Love