Ep 1. Human progress and how we might blow it (Jonah Goldberg's"Suicide of the West")

reTHINK TANK season 1 episode 1 titled "Human Progress and How We Might Blow It" is a thought-provoking discussion about the book "Suicide of the West" by Jonah Goldberg. The panelists explore how the progress humans have made in the past few centuries may be at risk of being destroyed, and what can be done to prevent it.

The episode starts off with an introduction of the panelists, who come from various fields and backgrounds, including a philosopher, a journalist, a political commentator, and a historian. They provide different perspectives on the topic and engage in a lively debate throughout the show.

The host introduces Goldberg's book and explains its main thesis, which is that the progress we have made in the West, including democracy, capitalism, and individualism, may lead to our demise. Goldberg argues that the very values that have made the West successful are also the ones that could cause its downfall if taken to the extreme.

The panelists discuss this idea and delve into the specifics of how this could happen. They talk about the rise of identity politics, political correctness, and cancel culture, and how they could erode free speech and individualism. They also mention the dangers of automation and AI, which could disrupt the job market and lead to societal upheaval.

The discussion then turns to what can be done to prevent this bleak future from becoming a reality. The panelists propose various solutions, including educating people about the dangers of extremism, promoting critical thinking, and advocating for policies that support technological innovation while also protecting workers.

Throughout the show, the panelists provide insightful commentary and engage in a respectful debate, even when they disagree with each other. They bring up thought-provoking questions and challenge each other's assumptions, making for an engaging and intellectually stimulating discussion.

Overall, "Human Progress and How We Might Blow It" is a must-watch for anyone interested in the future of the West and the challenges we face in maintaining our progress. The panelists provide a nuanced and thought-provoking analysis of Jonah Goldberg's "Suicide of the West" and offer valuable insights into what can be done to prevent the worst-case scenarios from becoming reality.