Imprimis Podcast Summary: "Restoring American Culture" Hillsdale College, Released April 8, 2025

Introduction

In the April 2025 episode of Imprimis, titled "Restoring American Culture," Roger Kimball, editor of The New Criterion, delivers a comprehensive discourse on the state of American culture and the pivotal role of common sense in its restoration. Drawing from his talk at Hillsdale College's Blake Center for Faith and Freedom on January 29, 2020, Kimball critiques the erosion of common sense in contemporary society and outlines a vision for cultural rejuvenation underpinned by political leadership and intellectual integrity.

Defining Common Sense in Modern America

Kimball opens by challenging the contemporary understanding of "common sense," particularly in the context of President Donald Trump's rhetoric and policies. He references René Descartes' assertion that common sense is the most widely distributed thing in the world but questions its applicability in the 21st century.

“Is it common sense to pretend that men can be women or to pretend that you do not know what a woman is?”
— Roger Kimball [02:10]

Kimball argues that many modern societal issues, such as immigration policies and cultural definitions, lack the foundational common sense necessary for coherent governance and cultural stability.

The Deficit of Common Sense Since the 1960s

Highlighting a cultural decline beginning in the 1960s, Kimball attributes the erosion of common sense to various societal shifts. He asserts that this deficit has undermined educational institutions and broader cultural life.

“In recent years, indeed, at least since the 1960s, our culture has suffered from a deficit of common sense.”
— Roger Kimball [06:45]

This lack of common sense, according to Kimball, has facilitated the rise of policies and cultural phenomena that deviate from traditional American values, leading to societal fragmentation.

Elites vs. Credentialed Class

Kimball delineates the difference between genuine elites and what he terms the "credentialed class." He criticizes the latter for prioritizing political correctness over merit and achievement.

“Rather than being a true elite, which suggests a quote of excellence, merit, and achievement, the apparatchiks we call the elite are really just the credentialed class.”
— Roger Kimball [09:30]

Referencing Eric Hoffer, Kimball emphasizes the antagonistic relationship between self-appointed elites and the general populace, advocating for a restructuring of societal leadership to prioritize common sense over bureaucratic rigidity.

Restoration of America Under President Trump

A significant portion of the discussion centers on President Trump's initiatives aimed at restoring America through a "revolution of common sense." Kimball details the rapid implementation of executive orders upon Trump's inauguration, emphasizing his departure from maintaining the status quo.

“With the stroke of his pen, he obliterated DEI operations throughout the government.”
— Roger Kimball [13:15]

Kimball outlines the dual aspects of restoration: recognizing societal decay and actively rescuing valuable cultural achievements neglected by the establishment elite. Trump's actions, according to Kimball, symbolize the beginning of a cultural and political renaissance grounded in pragmatic governance.

The Long March Through the Institutions

Kimball references Irving Kristol's concept of the "long march through the institutions," critiquing how leftist ideologies have permeated societal institutions, leading to a gradual but profound cultural shift.

“The leverage of ideas is so immense that a slight change in the intellectual climate can and will perhaps slowly but nevertheless inexorably twist a familiar institution into an unrecognizable shape.”
— Roger Kimball [11:50]

This infiltration, Kimball argues, has led to the transformation of economic, political, and religious institutions, destabilizing traditional American values and practices.

Cultural Initiatives Exemplifying Common Sense

Kimball contrasts the current cultural climate with historical initiatives that embodied common sense and contributed to cultural enrichment:

1. "Civilization" Series by Kenneth Clark

   • Overview: A 13-part BBC series from 1969, praised for its deliberate pacing and focus on Western cultural monuments.
   • Key Features: Absence of trivial commentary, emphasis on art and architecture, and a clear definition of civilization through tangible examples.

2. Leonard Bernstein's "Young People's Concerts"

   • Overview: Initiated in 1958, these concerts aimed to democratize classical music appreciation.
   • Impact: Garnered over 20 million viewers, fostering a new generation of classical music enthusiasts and emerging musicians.

3. Book of the Month Club

   • Overview: Launched in 1926, it became a significant cultural force by curating and promoting high-quality literature.
   • Legacy: Introduced readers to esteemed authors and fostered a culture of intellectual engagement.

“The original civilization was pitched at a high level. It was also meticulously accessible. The treasures Clark toured were allowed to speak for themselves, and so speak they did.”
— Roger Kimball [16:40]

These examples illustrate Kimball's vision of a culture driven by excellence, accessibility, and intellectual rigor, contrasting sharply with the perceived superficiality and fragmentation of contemporary cultural expressions.

Conclusion: A New Cultural Golden Age

Kimball concludes by expressing optimism that President Trump's "common sense revolution" can spearhead the restoration of American culture. He invokes Kenneth Clark's assertion that the lack of confidence is detrimental to civilization, positing that Trump's dynamic leadership injects the necessary vitality and assurance to foster a new golden age rooted in common sense and traditional values.

“The spectacle of Donald Trump's boundless energy and the energy he calls forth from others is heartening. Among other things, it makes us appreciate how his revolution of common sense might not only spark a political restoration but also a new cultural golden age.”
— Roger Kimball [19:00]

Kimball's vision advocates for a return to foundational American principles, emphasizing the restoration of institutions and cultural practices that embody common sense, intellectual integrity, and societal cohesion.

Notable Quotes Summary

• Defining Common Sense:
  “Is it common sense to pretend that men can be women or to pretend that you do not know what a woman is?”
  — Roger Kimball [02:10]

• Cultural Deficit:
  “In recent years, indeed, at least since the 1960s, our culture has suffered from a deficit of common sense.”
  — Roger Kimball [06:45]

• Elites Critique:
  “Rather than being a true elite, which suggests a quote of excellence, merit, and achievement, the apparatchiks we call the elite are really just the credentialed class.”
  — Roger Kimball [09:30]

• Trump's Actions:
  “With the stroke of his pen, he obliterated DEI operations throughout the government.”
  — Roger Kimball [13:15]

• Long March Through Institutions:
  “The leverage of ideas is so immense that a slight change in the intellectual climate can and will perhaps slowly but nevertheless inexorably twist a familiar institution into an unrecognizable shape.”
  — Roger Kimball [11:50]

• Cultural Initiatives:
  “The original civilization was pitched at a high level. It was also meticulously accessible. The treasures Clark toured were allowed to speak for themselves, and so speak they did.”
  — Roger Kimball [16:40]

• Conclusion on Restoration:
  “The spectacle of Donald Trump's boundless energy and the energy he calls forth from others is heartening. Among other things, it makes us appreciate how his revolution of common sense might not only spark a political restoration but also a new cultural golden age.”
  — Roger Kimball [19:00]

This episode of Imprimis provides a thought-provoking examination of the cultural and political landscapes shaping modern America. Roger Kimball's insights offer a critical perspective on the role of common sense in governance and cultural preservation, advocating for a balanced restoration that honors traditional values while fostering societal advancement.