The Ben Shapiro Show: Episode 2089 - The COLLAPSE Of The Elitists

Release Date: November 20, 2024
Host: Ben Shapiro
Podcast: The Ben Shapiro Show, The Daily Wire

1. The Decline of Meritocracy and Rise of Technocracy

Ben Shapiro opens the episode by drawing an analogy between Newton's third law of motion and political reactions. He asserts that corrupting key government institutions like the Department of Justice (DOJ) or Health and Human Services (HHS) leads to strong oppositional actions, exemplified by figures like Matt Gaetz and Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Key Discussion Points:

• Meritocracy vs. Technocracy: Shapiro critiques the modern interpretation of meritocracy, arguing that it has been eroded by a shift towards technocracy. He contends that true meritocracy allows individuals with genuine merit to ascend through natural, evolutionary processes such as free markets and community involvement.

• David Brooks’ Critique: Shapiro analyzes an essay by David Brooks titled "The Death of Meritocracy" from The Atlantic. Brooks suggests that the perceived failures of meritocracy have led to the rise of outsiders like Trump and Gaetz in power. Shapiro vehemently disagrees, labeling Brooks as a technocrat who misunderstands the essence of meritocracy.

Notable Quotes:

• “David Brooks is not a meritocrat. He's not somebody who believes that people who have merit ought to rise to the top...” [00:00]
• “David Brooks is railing against the so-called meritocracy, but he’s actually mislabeling the failure of a technocracy...” [05:45]

2. The Transformation of American Institutions

Shapiro explores how American institutions have transitioned from systems that naturally promoted merit and virtue to ones dominated by technocratic elites aiming to reshape society.

Key Discussion Points:

• Historical Context: Shapiro traces the shift back to the Progressive Movement in the early 20th century, highlighting how elites began to impose top-down systems over organic institutions like free markets and religious communities.

• Impact on Education: Using Columbia University as an example, he illustrates how prestigious institutions have moved away from fostering genuine merit and virtue toward creating an exclusive aristocracy.

Notable Quotes:

• “Free markets, which are in fact a natural outgrowth of a basic concept of private property, maximize both productivity and innovation...” [12:30]
• “Columbia University was designed to teach eternal truths, to pursue knowledge of nature and nature's God...” [18:15]

3. Critique of Modern Meritocracy’s Flaws

Shapiro delves into the six "sins" of the modern meritocracy as outlined by David Brooks, providing his counterarguments to each.

Key Discussion Points:

1. Overrating Intelligence: Brooks argues that the system overemphasizes standardized testing and intelligence metrics. Shapiro counters that this leads to a misalignment where bureaucratic intelligence trumps practical productivity.

2. Success in School vs. Life: Brooks claims academic success doesn’t equate to real-world effectiveness. Shapiro believes free markets inherently value and reward practical skills and innovation.

3. Rigged Systems: Brooks posits that meritocracy favors the affluent by enabling "arms races" in college admissions. Shapiro rebuts by presenting data on income mobility, arguing that the free market allows individuals to rise based on their contributions.

4. American Caste System: Brooks suggests meritocracy creates segregation between the educated elite and others. Shapiro argues that technological and free-market systems naturally sort individuals based on productivity and community engagement rather than imposed segregation.

5. Damaged Psyches: Brooks claims that meritocracy fosters emotional instability through constant evaluations. Shapiro attributes this to the technocratic system imposing unrealistic standards, whereas free markets emphasize resilience and personal growth.

6. Redefining Merit: Brooks advocates for a broader definition of merit that includes social intelligence and agility. Shapiro maintains that true meritocracy is already embodied in free-market principles, which naturally reward diverse skills and talents.

Notable Quotes:

• “Meritocracy simply means something that should be good for everyone, which is people of merit rise to the top of a system that is better than any of the alternatives...” [09:00]
• “In a free market system, you would not be able to get a loan if you attempted to enter a broken field...” [15:20]

4. Current Political Landscape and Responses

Shapiro examines recent political actions and how they reflect the broader struggle between technocratic elites and populist movements.

Key Discussion Points:

• Immigration Policy: He discusses President Trump's crackdown on illegal immigration, highlighting the resistance from technocratic Democrats in blue states. Shapiro emphasizes the alignment of such policies with mainstream American desires for security and order.

• Criminal Justice and Mental Health Systems: Referencing a stabbing spree in New York City, Shapiro criticizes the failure of technocratic systems to effectively manage public safety and mental health, arguing that evolved, community-based approaches would prevent such tragedies.

• Transgender Restroom Debate: The introduction of a resolution by Representative Nancy Mace to ban transgender women from using women's restrooms is analyzed. Shapiro portrays this as a necessary stand against elite-driven social engineering, despite Democratic accusations of discrimination.

Notable Quotes:

• “If you really want people to rise based on things like agility, you need a system that features agility...” [21:45]
• “The self-appointed elite, the moral elite, are ruling the country. But that is coming to an end...” [23:10]

5. Foreign Policy Insights: Russia and Nuclear Threats

Shapiro addresses global concerns about Russia's nuclear doctrine and World War III panic, offering a realist perspective on international relations.

Key Discussion Points:

• Russian Nuclear Doctrine: He explains Russia’s updated nuclear doctrine, clarifying that despite aggressive rhetoric, Russia is unlikely to engage in nuclear warfare due to rational strategic considerations.

• Media Panic vs. Reality: Shapiro criticizes media sensationalism around potential nuclear conflicts, asserting that such panic is unfounded and driven by technocratic fearmongering rather than substantial threats.

• International Influence: He mentions Russia's involvement in global conflicts, such as supplying weapons to Hezbollah and Iran, underscoring the strategic maneuvers behind the rhetoric.

Notable Quotes:

• “They are not going to do that if they are publicly signaling that because they understand that by signaling that, they might be able to get the United States to back off...” [27:00]
• “It's not real. It's not going to happen. I'm just saying if it does, then I will be very shocked...” [34:15]

6. Guest Segment: Gary Sinise on Resurrection and Revival

In a poignant segment, Shapiro welcomes actor and philanthropist Gary Sinise to discuss his son Mac's battle with cancer and the creation of a tribute music album.

Key Discussion Points:

• Mac’s Battle with Cancer: Sinise shares his son’s struggle with chordoma, a rare spinal cancer, detailing the emotional and physical challenges faced over several years.

• Creation of the Album: Despite his illness, Mac composed original music, which Sinise helped bring to life posthumously. The album, Resurrection and Revival, features orchestral and harmonica pieces, serving as a tribute to Mac’s talent and resilience.

• Supporting the Gary Sinise Foundation: Proceeds from the album sales are directed to Sinise’s foundation, which supports veterans, first responders, and their families.

Notable Quotes:

• “The double vinyl album is 17 original compositions, covers 19 total tracks. And it really is an amazing accomplishment...” [52:58]
• “He wanted to be a film composer. He loved drumming and everything, but he wasn't satisfied to just be a drummer...” [53:30]

7. Media and Public Disconnect

Shapiro emphasizes the growing gap between media elites and the general public, attributing it to technocratic domination and lack of genuine engagement with American values.

Key Discussion Points:

• MSNBC’s Struggles: He critiques MSNBC’s declining ratings and suggests it’s a result of the network’s detachment from mainstream American values and reliance on outdated technocratic narratives.

• Social Media vs. Traditional Media: Shapiro contrasts the quick, concise news delivery on platforms like Twitter with traditional media’s in-depth yet disconnected coverage, highlighting the challenges faced by established news outlets in staying relevant.

• Public Backlash: He frames current political and social movements as a backlash against decades of technocratic governance, advocating for a return to free-market principles and community-based values.

Notable Quotes:

• “The fact that you have to reconnect with the American people because you separated yourself off from the American public...” [38:50]
• “These technocratic elites, they believe they know what's best for you. But you know, who knows what's best for you? You.” [40:15]

Conclusion

Ben Shapiro wraps up episode 2089 by reiterating his belief in the inherent strength of evolved systems like free markets and community institutions over imposed technocratic models. He underscores the ongoing “revenge of the normies” as a movement against elite-driven governance, advocating for policies that reflect genuine American values of merit, productivity, and community cohesion.

Closing Remarks:

• Encouragement to engage with content that aligns with authentic meritocratic principles.
• Teaser for upcoming discussions on Elon Musk and Donald Trump’s involvement in space ventures.

Notable Quotes:

• “The revolution is coming against the technocratic elite because they tried to reshape society from the top down...” [59:00]
• “You cannot let them fix it because they blew it and even their diagnosis is wrong...” [22:40]

Additional Insights:

• Income Mobility Data: Shapiro references a 2014 New York Times study by Professor Mark Rank, highlighting significant income mobility within the United States, countering the narrative of a stagnant elite.

• Public Safety and Legislation: Discussion on the necessity of robust government intervention to ensure public safety, contrasting with technocratic failures in mental health and criminal justice systems.

Final Thoughts:

Episode 2089 of The Ben Shapiro Show presents a comprehensive critique of the modern meritocracy, attributing its flaws to a shift towards technocratic governance. Shapiro champions free-market principles and community-based systems as the true embodiments of meritocracy, while decrying the failures of elite-driven systems to address societal needs. Through incisive analysis and poignant guest segments, the episode underscores the tension between evolved American values and imposed technocratic models, advocating for a return to authentic meritocratic principles.