I Think You're Totally Wrong
A Quarrel
Book •
I Think You're Totally Wrong: A Quarrel is a conversational, argumentative book by David Shields and Caleb Powell that records and dramatizes a weekend of disputation between the two writers.
The work blends essay, debate, and personal reflection as the pair revisit their past teacher–student relationship and clash over politics, aesthetics, and moral certainties.
The book was paired with a documentary film produced by James Franco that captures portions of their interactions and the project’s performative nature.
Through candid, often combative exchanges, the authors interrogate black-and-white thinking, artistic responsibility, and how personal history shapes intellectual positions.
The project aims to model how arguments can be artful and revealing rather than merely adversarial.
The work blends essay, debate, and personal reflection as the pair revisit their past teacher–student relationship and clash over politics, aesthetics, and moral certainties.
The book was paired with a documentary film produced by James Franco that captures portions of their interactions and the project’s performative nature.
Through candid, often combative exchanges, the authors interrogate black-and-white thinking, artistic responsibility, and how personal history shapes intellectual positions.
The project aims to model how arguments can be artful and revealing rather than merely adversarial.
Mentioned by
Mentioned in 0 episodes
Mentioned by 
Luke Burbank
Ep. 271 Encore: "You Think You're So Smart" with Martin Starr, David Shields & Caleb Powell & Martin Sexton
