The Russell Kirk Center’s Post

Today’s Black History lesson.

In 1831, a 25-year-old French aristocrat by the name of Alexis de Tocqueville journeyed to the distant shores of the United States of America. His time in the US culminated in his book 'Democracy in America', a deep-dive into the American democracy, social conditions and national psyche. In one section, he describes something he calls "the doctrine of self-interest properly understood", a principle to which he attributes the success of those early Americans in avoiding the egocentrism which, by his analysis, so often flourishes in nascent democracies. Here are some reflections on that section.

So what will the critics say? I have no doubt they’ll come up with something to criticize in The Spirit of Justice. Not because of the history itself, but because of what that history might do. It is a subversive history. #TheSpiritofJustice Read more in today's Footnotes substack and get a 30 day free trial to my paid newsletter, "Tisbits." https://loom.ly/XADHbcs

Exploring the Timeless Relevance of "The Scarlet Letter" in Today's Society Have you ever considered how a 17th-century novel about public shaming could still hold valuable lessons for us today? In my latest article, I delve into Nathaniel Hawthorne's "The Scarlet Letter," exploring its themes of sin, guilt, and redemption within the context of Puritan society. But I also go further, examining how these themes resonate in our modern world, particularly in the age of social media and "cancel culture." If you're interested in literature, history, or the psychology of shame and judgment, I invite you to read the full article and join the conversation. #TheScarletLetter #Literature #History #SocialPsychology #CancelCulture #Leadership #Empathy

Think you know Karl Marx? Well, think again! Stick around because in today's video, we’re uncovering 12 surprising facts about Karl Marx that you probably never learned in school! "Hey everyone, Join The critical think tank YouTube channel ! Whether you’ve heard his name in a history class or from heated debates, Karl Marx is one of the most influential thinkers in history. But I bet there’s more to him than you’ve ever imagined! So, let’s dive into 12 mind-blowing things about Karl Marx!" https://lnkd.in/gngsqbAB

At one point, we thought the dark days of anti-Semitism were behind us. But prejudice has a way of evolving. What can history teach us about its trajectory? Let’s trace its roots with Abbie. 📖 Read more in the full article: https://lnkd.in/eacxHVqG #dearabbienonadvice #zeitgeist #historylessons #jewishhistory

It's the Enablers that allow it to happen and perpetuate it.

Based on the books analyzed: *Malcolm X on Afro-American History* 1. *Message*: Emphasizes African American history, self-empowerment and combating white supremacy. 2. *Themes*: Identity, racism, liberation. *Mao Tse-Tung on People's War* 1. *Message*: Outlines Marxist-Leninist theory on revolutionary warfare and national liberation. 2. *Themes*: Revolution, socialism, anti-imperialism. *History Will Absolve Me (Fidel Castro)* 1. *Message*: Defends Castro's actions, advocating for Cuban revolution. 2. *Themes*: Social justice, anti-imperialism, national sovereignty. *Combined Analysis* These books share themes of: 1. Resistance against oppression 2. National liberation 3. Social justice 4. Anti-imperialism *Positive Impact on Society* 1. Promotes critical thinking 2. Encourages self-empowerment 3. Fosters understanding of historical struggles 4. Inspires collective action *Outcome on Prosperity and Life* 1. Empowers marginalized communities 2. Challenges systemic injustices 3. Fosters global solidarity 4. Inspires progressive change These books contribute to: 1. Social awareness 2. Political activism 3. Human rights advocacy 4. Intellectual discourse Overall, these books promote positive social change, empowering individuals and communities to challenge oppression and strive for justice, equality and prosperity.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗼𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝘂𝗹𝘀𝗲: 𝗦𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗼𝗶𝗮 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗗𝗲𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 Excerpts: "The disordered thinking behind leftist ideology is most readily discerned in its aim to spread paranoia and dependence throughout the populace. The left intends for these feelings of uncertainty to render people more malleable and docile. That way, they will more readily accept the fundamental transformation of America from a republic built upon God-given rights and self-evident truths into a virulently secular society that oppresses all dissent." "Setting aside the abject moral, philosophical, and policy failings of woke ideology, there is a practical problem associated with instilling paranoia and dependence throughout the populace: It requires coercion and a controlled environment." by Thaddeus G. McCotter Full article: https://lnkd.in/e-c_8HCR Chronicles Magazine

The Ephemeral Nature of Power and the Price of Bigotry Hungry people cannot be fed with bigotry and personal attacks, and crime is not solved by misogynistic statements or arrogance. Every well has a bottom, and some politicians will find that their time has run out. Their fifteen minutes of fame come with a price: a front-row view into oblivion when debt collectors come and friends take their gin and tonic elsewhere, leaving them isolated on a rock, wondering how it used to be, knowing there is no return, only demise. No position is permanent. #PoliticalResponsibility #EqualityNow #EndBigotry #PhilosophyOfPower #TemporaryFame Philosophers and thinkers throughout history have echoed sentiments that align with these thoughts. For instance, Beverley Clack discusses the deeply rooted misogyny in Western philosophical tradition, highlighting how such biases are entrenched in societal norms and power structures. Similarly, current scholars emphasize that systemic inequalities are perpetuated not just by overt bigotry but also by subtle, pervasive biases embedded in our institutions. This underscores the importance of addressing both the explicit and implicit forms of discrimination that undermine social progress. By recognizing the transient nature of power and the destructive impact of bigotry and misogyny, my perspective aligns with a broader philosophical understanding that emphasizes ethical governance and the impermanence of status. This reflection serves as a powerful reminder of the moral and practical costs associated with discriminatory practices in any society.