I think a lot about Voltaire in this context: whether his Pangloss was a failure of satire, to have so bungled the involved themes as to have displaced them; it's probably a ludicrous standard, but I don't think satire should actually obscure truths (or persons), and if it does so, it seems lower, closer to humor predicated on slander. But whatever: Voltaire is fine, I'm sure, I just resent what he's done to Leibniz's reputation. Leibniz was, in my view, correct about theodicy. Only a willful misrepresentation suggests that means he thought catastrophes were "good."
Outstanding interview with one of my absolute favorites!!!
I almost didn't read this because my interest in psychedelics is not high, but it's a fantastic interview. QR codes in hell, so many good words and so much clarity about Leibniz, death as master satirist--wonderful stuff.
"Nature, Human Nature, and Human Difference" was probably part of Smith-Ruiu's previous life but an immensely valuable book just because most slavery-and-abolition historians have no philosophical commitment to Leibniz whatever and are doing something very different.
This interview series is wonderful. My favorite nugget: "The truth is nothing boosts my paid-subscription rates at The Hinternet like a confessional essay about my visits to the psychiatrist."
Much to say about this and that aspect of this very interesting conversation, but for now, I want to compliment the ROL on an exemplary interview of a notoriously difficult, if often charming, subject. Bravo.
Now that was interesting! Decades ago, during a time when I dropped acid with some regularity, I tried to read Bertrand Russell, Quine, etc. Always felt that these smart guys might have benefited from some psychedelic engagement.
I think a lot about Voltaire in this context: whether his Pangloss was a failure of satire, to have so bungled the involved themes as to have displaced them; it's probably a ludicrous standard, but I don't think satire should actually obscure truths (or persons), and if it does so, it seems lower, closer to humor predicated on slander. But whatever: Voltaire is fine, I'm sure, I just resent what he's done to Leibniz's reputation. Leibniz was, in my view, correct about theodicy. Only a willful misrepresentation suggests that means he thought catastrophes were "good."
Outstanding interview with one of my absolute favorites!!!
I almost didn't read this because my interest in psychedelics is not high, but it's a fantastic interview. QR codes in hell, so many good words and so much clarity about Leibniz, death as master satirist--wonderful stuff.
"Nature, Human Nature, and Human Difference" was probably part of Smith-Ruiu's previous life but an immensely valuable book just because most slavery-and-abolition historians have no philosophical commitment to Leibniz whatever and are doing something very different.
Thanks, James. I'm still happy with that book, even if there are things I'd do differently if I were starting on it right now.
Damn! Wonderful interview! Thanks 🙏
This interview series is wonderful. My favorite nugget: "The truth is nothing boosts my paid-subscription rates at The Hinternet like a confessional essay about my visits to the psychiatrist."
This is what I needed to read!
Me too.
Much to say about this and that aspect of this very interesting conversation, but for now, I want to compliment the ROL on an exemplary interview of a notoriously difficult, if often charming, subject. Bravo.
Now that was interesting! Decades ago, during a time when I dropped acid with some regularity, I tried to read Bertrand Russell, Quine, etc. Always felt that these smart guys might have benefited from some psychedelic engagement.
Justin Smith-Ruiu: The Absolute Governor.