John Gray on Pessimism, Liberalism, and Theism | Conversations with Tyler

John Gray is a philosopher and writer renowned for his critical examination of liberalism, atheism, and the human condition. His unique perspective is shaped over a decades-long career, during which he has authored influential books on topics ranging from political theory to what we can learn from cats about on how to live a good life. His latest book, The New Leviathans: Thoughts After Liberalism, delivers a provocative examination of the 2020s' political landscape, challenges liberal triumphalism with a realistic critique of ongoing global crises and the persistent allure of human delusions.
Tyler and John sat down to discuss his latest book, including who he thinks will carry on his work, what young people should learn if liberalism is dead, whether modern physics allows for true atheism, what in Eastern Orthodoxy attracts him, the benefits of pessimism, what philanthropic cause he’d invest a billion dollars in, under what circumstances he’d sacrifice his life, what he makes of UFOs, the current renaissance in film and books, whether Monty Python is still funny, how Herman Melville influenced him, who first spotted his talent, his most unusual work habit, what he’ll do next, and more.
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Recorded October 24th, 2023
Transcript and links: conversationswithtyler.com/ep...
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[@kingj282]

This man is clearly intelligent without being pretentious. A joy to listen to

[@nitinr6149]

This is the finest interview of John Gray ever. Clear sharp questions. Helping John reply with sharp quips and analyses. I've heard hours of Gray apart from reading almost all of his books written in his post-academic career. Kudos!

[@trouble820]

This is one of the best interviews with Gray I have heard and like you I have read almost all his books and articles and heard almost everything findable online. Bravo. Way to corner him on a few questions.

[@user-pd9ic3jf8c]

Totally enchanted by John Gray. I discovered him thanks to my infatuation with cats, but then plunged into his philosophical writings. What a great thinker and an amazing human being! A true beacon for every thinking individual!

[@karlstriepe8050]

One of the best interviews with John Gray that I've heard. He seemed surprised; I wonder if he's aware that you've published with Parfit. That said, not enough talk about the book itself.

[@cmhardin37]

It starts 4:18

[@kurisensei]

Hope he does publish that book of aphorisms!

[@jonasshort9549]

Which columnist is John Gray referring to on 5:01?

[@MercatusCenter]

links can be found here conversationswithtyler.com/episodes/john-gray/

[@stephenpaul7499]

I can't stop listening to John Gray after he was interviewed by Sam Harris (who I remain a partial fan of).
Gray's conception of atheism is rather more nuanced and intriguing.

[@859902]

Must be the best least listened to thing on CZcams!

[@danwroy]

I thought he was an astronomer

[@kurisensei]

You might be thinking of the American, Men are Mars guy

[@Booogieman]

That guy is total bs spritiual mambo jumbo

[@KRGruner]

Clown world in action. Sigh...