DeepSummary
Adam and Ben discuss the intellectual and political legacy of their friend and fellow podcaster Michael Brooks, who recently passed away. They reflect on how Michael was able to communicate socialist ideas in an accessible, humorous, and compelling way through his ability to synthesize different perspectives and connect with people from various backgrounds.
They highlight Michael's embrace of 'cosmopolitan socialism,' which emphasized internationalism, cultural exchange, and rejecting both bigotry and the policing of culture. A key influence was the anti-essentialist thinking of Adolph Reed, which rejects the idea of inherent racial or cultural essences.
The discussion emphasizes learning from Michael's approach of being 'ruthless against systems but kind to individuals,' appealing to people's aspirations rather than moralizing, and building a left media ecosystem that can reach regular people. Adam and Ben aim to continue this project in Michael's spirit.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Michael Brooks was able to communicate socialist ideas in an accessible, humorous and compelling way that appealed to a broad audience.
- He embraced a 'cosmopolitan socialism' that emphasized internationalism, cultural exchange and rejecting both bigotry and restrictive cultural policing.
- A major influence was Adolph Reed's anti-essentialist thinking, rejecting inherent racial or cultural essences.
- Michael aimed to be 'ruthless against systems but kind to individuals' and appeal to human aspirations rather than moralize.
- He sought to build a robust 'left media ecosystem' that could resonate with regular people beyond just activist circles.
- Adam and Ben aim to continue this project of making socialist politics appealing and accessible in Michael's spirit.
- Michael represented a model of uncompromising radicalism combined with warmth, humor and synthesis - qualities the left needs.
- His passing is a major loss, but his approach and intellectual vision provide an important blueprint going forward.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “Love without power is sentimental and anemic, and power without love is abusive and corrosive.“ by Michael Brooks
- “Remaining forever fearful of cultural appropriation will smother the international socialist project I envision by contributing to what Adolf Reid has disparagingly termed essentialism, the almost metaphysical belief that culture stands apart from politics and economics.“ by Michael Brooks
- “We need a socialism that also has room for people's personal aspirations and ambitions and sense of making room for themselves in the world. We cannot make that wrong.“ by Michael Brooks
- “And it's an immense honor to be here, including definitely with doctor, doctor west, who is an influence on me. And one of the major reasons that he's an influence on me is because of that synthesis and the ability to hold multiple truths.“ by Michael Brooks
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Episode Information
Dead Pundits Society
Dead Pundits Society
7/28/20