Podcast Summary: The Opinions – "David Brooks on Staying Humane in Inhumane Times"

Episode Details

• Title: The Opinions
• Host/Author: The New York Times Opinion
• Episode: David Brooks on Staying Humane in Inhumane Times
• Release Date: December 2, 2024

Introduction

In this episode of The Opinions, David Brooks, a renowned columnist for The New York Times, delves into the challenges of maintaining humanity amidst escalating global and domestic turmoil. Brooks explores historical and philosophical frameworks to offer insights on navigating brutal times without succumbing to inhumanity.

The Spread of Brutalism in the Modern World [00:42 - 01:12]

David Brooks opens by addressing the pervasive brutality plaguing both the Middle East and the United States. Highlighting the recent violence in Israel and Gaza, he underscores the global nature of conflict:

"Since October 7th, I've been thinking a lot about the spreading brutalism of our world. Israel has seen attacks overnight by both rockets and gunmen." [00:42]

He draws attention to the internal divisions within the U.S., characterized by intense and often violent debates:

"Because the Middle East is so contentious, a lot of the brutalism is right here in our own country. And that's the vicious debates we're having, that's people screaming at each other." [01:12]

Maintaining Humanity in Inhumane Times [01:12 - 04:57]

Brooks poses a critical question: "How do we live in this brutal environment without being brutalized ourselves?" [01:12]. He emphasizes the importance of remaining open-hearted and avoiding callousness fueled by hatred.

To address this, Brooks revisits two ancient intellectual and moral traditions symbolized by the cities of Athens and Jerusalem, each offering unique resources for maintaining humanity:

1. The Greek Tradition and Tragic Sensibility [02:00 - 03:30]

   Drawing from the Greek experience of constant warfare, Brooks explains how the tragic sensibility fosters humility and cautions against unchecked rage:

   "The Greeks lived with constant warfare between their city states and they developed what you might call a tragic sensibility. This taught them humility... seeing yourself accurately." [02:30]

   He references Homer's Iliad, illustrating how rage can blind individuals to reality:

   "If you look around the world today at the protests and the rallies, you see so much rage. The Greeks would say... you're blinding yourself to reality." [03:15]

2. The Jerusalem Tradition and Recognition [03:30 - 04:30]

   Focusing on the Abrahamic faiths, Brooks highlights the concept of recognition—seeing and respecting every individual:

   "The Abrahamic traditions teach us to lead with love even in hard times... the gift of seeing them, the gift of paying attention." [04:00]

   He contrasts this with the instinct to shut off empathy in dangerous times, advocating for a balance between prudence and compassion:

   "It's dangerous to be gentle and open-hearted in hard times, but it's also dangerous to shut off your heart." [04:15]

Integrating Traditions: Max Weber’s Insight [04:30 - 05:00]

Brooks references Max Weber’s essay, "Politics as a Vocation," to explore the possibility of balancing warmth with rationality:

"Can you be warm-hearted and also rational and cautious?" [04:45]

He reflects on personal experiences to illustrate this balance, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of humanity.

Defiant Humanism: James Baldwin’s Legacy [05:00 - 06:03]

Amidst his contemplation, Brooks recounts an encounter with James Baldwin’s interview, which profoundly impacts his perspective:

"The world is held together, really. It is held together by the love and the passion of a very few people." [04:57]

Baldwin’s message—“Everyone you're looking at is also you. You could be that person, you could be that monster, you could be that cop. And you decide on yourself not to be.” [05:28]—embodies what Brooks terms "defiant humanism." This concept emphasizes maintaining humanity and compassion, even when surrounded by inhumanity:

"It's easy to be a humanist in good times, but to be a humanist in bitter times... that is truly a heroic act." [05:28]

Brooks concludes by reinforcing the necessity of embracing both the Greek prudence and the Jerusalem empathy to navigate and endure inhumane times without losing our humanity.

Conclusion

David Brooks’ insightful discourse on The Opinions offers a profound exploration of how individuals can sustain their humanity amidst widespread brutality. By drawing from the rich traditions of Athens and Jerusalem, Brooks provides a roadmap for fostering humility, managing rage, and cultivating empathy. His reflections, enriched by James Baldwin’s enduring wisdom, serve as a call to maintain compassionate and rational approaches in the face of societal and global challenges.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• "Since October 7th, I've been thinking a lot about the spreading brutalism of our world." — David Brooks [00:42]
• "How do we live in this brutal environment without being brutalized ourselves?" — David Brooks [01:12]
• "The Greeks would say... you're blinding yourself to reality." — David Brooks [03:15]
• "Everyone you're looking at is also you... you decide on yourself not to be." — James Baldwin [05:28]
• "It's easy to be a humanist in good times, but to be a humanist in bitter times... that is truly a heroic act." — David Brooks [05:28]

This episode serves as a thought-provoking guide for listeners seeking to understand and uphold humane values amidst the complexities and adversities of contemporary society.