The Problem with Reading

Propaganda is necessary for governments, and you crave it. So says Jacques Ellul in chapter 3 of "Propaganda: The Formation of Men's Attitudes." Aside from the objective necessity of Propaganda to the modern state, Ellul's hatred of the psychology of cities, and some struggle sessioning as to the hosts psychological triggers, the boys find some time to rant about DC's 12 seasons, passport bureaucrats, and street tacos portion size. Have a listen! (Free online text: https://theanarchistlibrary.org/library/jacques-ellul-propaganda)

The propaganda extravaganza continues with chapter 2 of "Propaganda: The Formation of Men's Attitudes" by Jacques Ellul! In this episode we get into the conditions necessary for propaganda--the double sided coin of individualism and mass society, mass media, and information deluge. Also--health systems, more math from Stephen, and why the modern environmentalist movement needs better representatives. Cream o' Nihilism Soup: cracksinpomo.substack.com/p/cream-o-nihilism-soup (Free online text: https://theanarchistlibrary.org/library/jacques-ellul-propaganda)

We finish the first chapter of "Propaganda: The Formation of Men's Attitudes" by Jacques Ellul. There's a bit of heat over the propaganda of advertising, some reflections on libertarian summer camp and homeschool propaganda, and the question of public school as horizontal propaganda. Rants are esoteric math, love letters, and the Oscars--have a listen! Resist the Machine Apocalypse: firstthings.com/article/2024/03/resist-the-machine-apocalypse (Free online text: https://theanarchistlibrary.org/library/jacques-ellul-propaganda)

We dive deep into the first chapter of "Propaganda: The Formation of Men's Attitudes" by Jacques Ellul, and only brush the surface. Total propaganda, technique, the 1619 project, school board meetings, and Arianism all make an appearance. Have a listen! Bripes: youtube.com/watch?v=tltBHjmIUJ0 (Free online text: theanarchistlibrary.org/library/jacques-ellul-propaganda)

Dive into the world of Jacques Ellul's insights on propaganda and its powerful influence on today’s society. The hosts connect historical contexts with modern examples, shedding light on how technology shapes our perceptions. Discover the dual role of entertainment as a medium for both bias and propaganda. They critically examine the ethics of marketing in the digital realm and discuss the need for meaningful dialogue to challenge manipulative messaging. Expect humor and camaraderie while tackling these serious themes!

A relaxed meta week of book shelves, book lists (short, long, and frantic), and big plans for the year. Should we read more? Yes. Will we? Unclear. Have a listen!

Our Resident Consulting Bioethicist Alison returns for Bioethics round two and a host of sticky topics—from surrogacy and embryo rescue to “Pronatalist” Warhammer 40k tax evaders, from Canada’s continued spiral of Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) to the OG transhumanism text. Also, there is a quiz and we crown the new Problem with Reading Bioethics Commissar (the answer will surprise you!). Have a listen! Articles: • “Medical assistance in dying can’t solve the problem of suffering. Canada’s system is a cautionary tale.” americamagazine.org/politics-society/2023/12/12/medical-assistance-dying-maid-canada-catholic-church-ethics-assisted • “Surrogacy” cmf.org.uk/resources/publications/content/?context=article&id=640 • “A Catholic dilemma: Should IVF embryos be adopted?” cruxnow.com/life/2015/12/a-catholic-dilemma-should-ivf-embryos-be-adopted • “INSTRUCTION ON RESPECT FOR HUMAN LIFE IN ITS ORIGINAND ON THE DIGNITY OF PROCREATION REPLIES TO CERTAIN QUESTIONS OF THE DAY” https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/documents/rc_con_cfaith_doc_19870222_respect-for-human-life_en.html • “Meet the ‘elite’ couples breeding to save mankind.” telegraph.co.uk/family/life/pronatalists-save-mankind-by-having-babies-silicon-valley/ • “Transhumanism” researchgate.net/publication/247718617_Transhumanism

Would you take a person named Titan Invictus seriously?

To ring in the New Year and close out 2023, The Problem with Reading presents eight quality, or at least amusing, articles for your perusal and consideration as chosen by elite and erudite past podcast guests. From Paganism, to Furry Hackers, to Pro-Natalist Silicon Valley Freaks, to AirBnB Furniture—we have the best of 2023 all in one place. Have a listen! • Critical Grace Theory: firstthings.com/article/2023/11/critical-grace-theory • How 'Dear Sister' Changed Comedy: youtube.com/watch?v=DhpS_Zv7F2A • I Thought I Was Saving Trans Kids. Now I’m Blowing the Whistle: thefp.com/p/i-thought-i-was-saving-trans-kids • We Are Repaganizing: firstthings.com/article/2023/10/we-are-repaganizing • Meet the Elite Couples Bre eding to Save Mankind: telegraph.co.uk/family/life/pronatalists-save-mankind-by-having-babies-silicon-valley/ • Man Up: firstthings.com/web-exclusives/2023/08/man-up • US nuke reactor lab hit by 'gay furry hackers' demanding cat-human mutants: theregister.com/2023/11/22/nuclear_lab_hacked/ • The Age of Average: alexmurrell.co.uk/articles/the-age-of-average

The day has finally come to give DFW the treatment he deserves, and Stephen couldn’t be happier. We’ve brought on Liv as backup to explore the heavily foot- and endnoted fiction and non-fiction projects of David Foster Wallace. We discuss the importance of paying attention, the danger of entertainment, the struggle to escape postmodern cynicism, if the only way out is through, and finally what metamodernism may have to offer. Have a listen! Articles: -“This is Water” by David Foster Wallace (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DCbGM4mqEVw) -“A Supposedly Fun Thing I'll Never Do Again” by David Foster Wallace -“The View from Mrs. Thompson's” by David Foster Wallace -“ An Interview With David Foster Wallace” by Larry McCaffery -“Philosophizing With Lightning?: a Review Of 'Metamodernism: The Future Of Theory'” by By Peter Fousek (https://www.hamptonthink.org/read/philosophizing-with-lightning-a-review-of-metamodernism-the-future-of-theory?)