Politics Archives

Abraham Lincoln’s Political Career (And There Was Light)

How and why did Abraham Lincoln get into politics? When did his centrist approach fail him? What song did he want played after the announcement of the Union’s victory? In And There Was Light, historian and biographer Jon Meacham discusses Abraham Lincoln’s political career, including the president’s actions during the Civil War. Meacham also provides some background information that sheds light on Lincoln’s politics and abilities. Continue reading to learn about Abraham Lincoln’s political career.

Lincoln and Johnson: A Conflict of Visions (Jon Meacham)

Why did Abraham Lincoln choose Andrew Johnson as his running mate? Did Johnson carry on Lincoln’s work? Historian and biographer Jon Meacham writes about the life and leadership of Abraham Lincoln in his book And There Was Light. He also discusses the drastic change of course in the presidency and nation after Lincoln’s assassination. Read more to learn about Lincoln and Johnson, according to Meacham.

Chip War: Miller’s History of the Semiconductor, Explained

What can we learn from Chris Miller’s Chip War? What is there to know about the economic history of the semiconductor? In Chip War, Miller describes the growth of the semiconductor industry from invention to globalized mass production. He walks through each step of the semiconductor’s technological development, highlighting key international competitors in the industry. Read on for insights and explanations drawn from Chris Miller’s Chip War.

Social Justice Ideology & Wokeism: Douglas Murray’s Take

What does it mean to be “woke”? Is it a good thing, or does it go too far? Douglas Murray argues that the West is consumed by an ideology that insists that certain groups endure widespread prejudice and oppression. Therefore, this ideology goes on to insist, these groups should receive sensitivity, accommodations, and apologetic behavior from the social majority. Read more to get Murray’s take on social justice ideology and wokeism.

The Election of President Lincoln (and a Backlash that Led to War)

Why did the Republican Party choose Abraham Lincoln as a presidential candidate? What backlash did his election receive? Just as Abraham Lincoln was losing a Senate race, he was winning the confidence of his fellow Republicans. Biographer Jon Meacham discusses the election of President Lincoln and how it stirred up a hornet’s nest that put the nation on the path to war. Read more to learn about the election of President Lincoln and the stunning aftermath.

What’s Woke Culture? Douglas Murray Reveals Its Dark Side

What’s woke culture? Why do many people believe that it’s gone too far and become destructive? In The Madness of Crowds, Douglas Murray argues that Western society is under attack from woke culture. He argues that this ideology is obsessed with social justice, intersectionality, and identity politics. Murray contends that what appears on the surface to be a compassionate movement is dangerous at its core. Continue reading to understand woke culture from Murray’s perspective.

Why Traditional Liberalism and Religion Are Vital to Society

What stabilizes society? What are Grand Narratives, and how do they help people find meaning? Douglas Murray believes there’s an important connection between the stability of a society and the ability of people to find meaning in life. Further, he contends that certain traditional institutions and belief systems provide that all-important meaning that contributes to social order. Read more to understand why Murray thinks liberalism and religion are central to a strong society.

How Sam Bankman-Fried’s Donations Reveal His Values & Aims

What did Sam Bankman-Fried do with his millions and billions? What did think Donald Trump might do if he gave him $5 billion? Sam Bankman-Fried quickly became one of the world’s wealthiest individuals. Biographer Michael Lewis says Bankman-Fried used his money in three main ways: Lobbying politicians to further his business interests, donating money to mitigate existential threats, and minimizing the influence of Donald Trump. Continue reading to learn about Sam Bankman-Fried’s donations.

The Unholy Marriage of Social Media and Social Justice

How does the social justice movement use social media? What contributes to cancel culture? In his book The Madness of Crowds, Douglas Murray asserts that there’s something about the toxic social media experience that fuels the social justice movement. Not only does it contribute to the airing of grievances, it stifles the free exchange of ideas. Continue reading to understand why Murray sees an unhealthy linkup between social media and social justice.

Censorship of Conservatives: Douglas Murray on Cancel Culture

What’s cancel culture? Who’s behind it? Are conservative voices silenced more than others? Douglas Murray believes that one of the most destructive effects of wokeism is the suppression of free speech through cancel culture. In his book The Madness of Crowds, he explains why conservatives in particular are often the target of this suppression. Read more to learn Murray’s take on the censorship of conservatives in today’s society.