Summary of "The Rubin Report" Episode: "Are These the Most Influential Murders of All Time?" | Andrew Klavan

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Rubin Report
• Host: Dave Rubin
• Guest: Andrew Klavan
• Episode Title: Are These the Most Influential Murders of All Time?
• Release Date: June 8, 2025

1. Introduction and Context

The episode kicks off with Andrew Klavan addressing the pervasive issue of media dishonesty. He asserts, "Our media lies about everything. Like, this is not an exception. This is the rule." (00:00). Dave Rubin engages Klavan by referencing his frequent appearances on the show, highlighting their longstanding rapport and mutual respect.

2. Media Misinformation and Its Impact

Klavan criticizes mainstream media for consistently disseminating falsehoods across various significant events, including Trump-Russia allegations, COVID-19, and George Floyd's case (02:49). He emphasizes that the media's credibility has been severely damaged by blatant lies, leading to superficial attempts at self-examination rather than genuine accountability.

3. Discussion of Andrew Klavan's New Book: The Kingdom of Cain. Finding God in the Literature of Darkness

a. Influence of Notable Murders on Literature and Culture

Klavan introduces his book, explaining that it explores how certain murders have repeatedly inspired artists, becoming archetypal narratives in literature and film. He discusses a chain of influence starting from a 19th-century French murderer inspiring Dostoevsky's Crime and Punishment, which in turn influenced Nietzsche's philosophy, ultimately leading to the Leopold and Loeb murders in the 1920s (06:51 – 09:37).

b. Philosophical Underpinnings: Nietzsche and Dostoevsky

Klavan delves into Nietzsche's proclamation that "God is dead," suggesting that this led to the creation of a new moral framework where individuals perceived themselves as gods, free to redefine morality. He connects this philosophy to real-life murders, illustrating how the absence of a divine moral compass can result in heinous acts justified by personal ideology (14:16 – 16:46).

c. The Chain of Influence: From Historical Murders to Modern Media

The conversation highlights how historical murders have been perpetuated and romanticized in modern media. Klavan cites examples like Silence of the Lambs, Psycho, and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, emphasizing that these narratives often stem from underlying themes of gender identity and the quest for self-definition (10:16 – 12:41).

4. Themes of Evil and Redemption in Literature and Media

a. The Role of Faith and Morality

Klavan argues that the decline in religious faith has led to a moral vacuum where evil can flourish unchecked. He posits that true Christianity acknowledges the permanence of evil and the high cost of redemption, contrasting with modern Christian art's optimistic portrayals where prayer invariably leads to desired outcomes (27:16 – 28:53).

b. Literary Archetypes: Cain and Abel

Central to Klavan's book is the exploration of the Cain and Abel story, which he interprets as the foundational narrative of human conflict and moral struggle. He draws parallels between biblical stories and contemporary literature, illustrating how these archetypes persistently shape our understanding of good and evil (18:40 – 21:10).

c. Representation in Modern TV Shows: The Sopranos

The discussion shifts to how modern television, exemplified by The Sopranos, portrays characters who commit atrocities yet remain sympathetic to the audience. Klavan critiques the show's inability to facilitate genuine character change, suggesting that such narratives reflect a broader societal denial of the consequences of evil actions (23:20 – 26:52).

5. The Role of the Intellectual Elite and the Permanence of Evil

Klavan contends that the intellectual and academic elites, by distancing themselves from traditional moral frameworks, contribute to the perpetuation of evil. He references Nietzsche's influence on Nazi ideology and draws connections between historical atrocities and contemporary societal issues, such as gender-affirming care for children (14:48 – 27:12).

6. Final Thoughts and Conclusion

In concluding the episode, Klavan emphasizes the persistent presence of evil in the world and the importance of acknowledging it to transform it into something meaningful. He critiques modern media and societal tendencies to overlook or sanitize evil, advocating for a more honest confrontation with the darker aspects of human nature (28:53 – 33:20).

Dave Rubin and Andrew Klavan wrap up with light-hearted banter about beverage preferences, reinforcing their camaraderie before signifying the episode's end.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Andrew Klavan (00:00): "Our media lies about everything. Like, this is not an exception. This is the rule."

• Dave Rubin (01:25): "You are one of my favorite people on the Internet. I find you to be one of the most curious, thoughtful, interesting, bald. You've got the whole gamut of skills there."

• Andrew Klavan (04:35): "They have to sort of say like, you know, let's do some self examination because, because this one is irrefutable, they can't get away with. But do you think it's right?"

• Andrew Klavan (12:03): "This insane stuff that makes no sense suddenly makes sense to people. So why would you think that?"

• Andrew Klavan (21:45): "I think that that's what happens, happens."

• Andrew Klavan (28:53): "It's a tragic religion. It's a religion that says if God walks on Earth, we will kill him. But there is more to life than life. That's what it says."

Conclusion

This episode of "The Rubin Report" features a profound exploration of how influential murders have shaped literature, philosophy, and modern media. Andrew Klavan provides insightful analysis on the interplay between morality, faith, and the perpetuation of evil, highlighting the crucial role of storytelling in reflecting and shaping societal values. Through engaging dialogue, the episode underscores the importance of confronting uncomfortable truths to foster genuine understanding and transformation.