Episode 201 - We Let This Happen: Joe Wolverton

Key Points of the Discussion

1. Democratic Despotism: The conversation starts with a critique of contemporary society's drift towards what is termed "Democratic despotism," where the government heavily regulates every aspect of life, essentially defining the totality of individual existence within a framework of omnipresent rules and regulations.

2. Totalitarianism and Liberty: They argue that modern society lives under a form of totalitarianism disguised as democracy, where every facet of life is regulated by the government, which they claim is the antithesis of true liberty.

3. Historical Perspectives on Tyranny: The discussion delves into historical texts and authors (e.g., Étienne de La Boétie, Alexis de Tocqueville, James Madison) to draw parallels between past and present forms of government, emphasizing how historical insights can illuminate current political and social conditions.

4. The Role of Education: A significant portion of the conversation is dedicated to the critical role of education in shaping individuals' perceptions of freedom and government. They lament the current state of education, which they view as indoctrination rather than enlightenment, leading to a populace that is unable to conceive of true liberty.

5. Virtue and Governance: The podcast highlights the importance of virtue, both in individuals and in leaders, for the functioning of a free society. It suggests that without virtue, society is susceptible to tyranny, as individuals without self-governance cannot effectively govern a nation.

6. Self-Governance and Responsibility: The discussion emphasizes the concept of self-governance, both on a personal and societal level. It argues for a society where individuals are responsible for their actions and governance is a reflection of the collective virtue and wisdom of its people.

7. Critique of Modern Society: Throughout the podcast, there is a continuous critique of modern society's loss of liberty, virtue, and responsibility, leading to a passive acceptance of tyranny under the guise of security and convenience.

8. Call to Action: The podcast concludes with a call to action, urging individuals to educate themselves and their offspring outside the prevailing system, in hopes of cultivating a generation that values and understands liberty, thereby capable of resisting tyranny.

Conclusion

The podcast "And if Love Remains" featuring Mike Leavitt and Joe Wolverton provides a thought-provoking analysis of contemporary society's drift towards totalitarianism, framed within a historical and philosophical context. By drawing on historical texts and theories, they critique the current educational system, emphasize the importance of virtue and self-governance, and call for a return to genuine liberty. The conversation serves as a call to action, urging listeners to seek education and virtue as the foundations of a free society.

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