Robert Harrison, a professor of literature at Stanford University, explores the cultural and historical forces shaping modern society in today’s episode, drawing on insights from his book “Juvenescence.”
Harrison delves into neotenic revolutions—from Socratic philosophy to the American Republic—explaining how youthful adaptability has driven societal progress while maintaining cultural continuity.
Building on this, he critiques ideologies that abandon historical ties, warning, “The destructive nature of communism resides in this idea that you can completely cut a people off from their historical and cultural past.”
Harrison also addresses the paradox of cultural influence, noting that it’s far easier to export vice than virtue. From Hollywood’s role in global consumerism to the spread of shallow entertainment, he examines the challenges of exporting meaningful values.
Harrison highlights the enduring relevance of the U.S. Constitution and principles like enlightenment-driven self-evident truths, emphasizing that citizenship must transcend economic well-being to sustain democracy.
Join us as Harrison discusses Americanization, consumerism, and the challenges of preserving intellectual and cultural depth in the modern age.
