John recently published “Lying in Politics: Hannah Arendt’s Antidote to Anticipatory Despair") in Public Books. It makes the case against* anticipatory despair* in the face of the Trump administration's relentless campaign of lies, half-lies, bluster, and bullshit by turning for inspiration to his favorite political philosopher, Hannah Arendt).
Half a century ago, in "Lying in Politics: Reflections on the Pentagon Papers)" (1971) she showed how expedient occasional lies spread to become omnipresent--not just in how America's campaigns in Vietnam were reported, but throughout Nixon-era governance.
Recall this Book) 153 is simply John reading the article aloud. It is an experiment (akin to Books in Dark Times) and Recall This Story) and Recall This B-Side)) in soliloquy. Reach out) and let us know if you think it should be the first of many, or simply a one-off.
Mentioned in the episode:
M. Gessen, Surviving Autocracy)
Harry Frankfurt), "On Bullshit)"
Vaclav Havel, "The Power of the Powerless)" (1978)
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