#2211 - Michael Shellenberger

At a Glance

• Serious Concern About Government Censorship - ‘Totalitarianism is creeping in, it’s not tanks and torture chambers, at least not yet, but this demand to control the entire information environment.’ This highlights the guest’s concern about increasing censorship and control over information, relating it to dystopian fears.

• Discussion on the Role of Science - ‘What Fauci and Hotez and Bill Nye call science is not actually science because science is a process.’ This point criticizes certain public figures for presenting science as a doctrine rather than an exploratory and questioning process, emphasizing the importance of maintaining scientific integrity.

• Critique of Modern Parenting - ‘The over-involved mothering of children is to treat children as though they’re victims.’ This reflects on societal trends in parenting, suggesting that overprotection could lead to less resilient generations.

• Humorous Take on Technology and Future Predictions - ‘If you lived in 1500, 1600 wasn’t that much fucking difference. Everybody’s got a musket, everybody’s on a boat, basically the same shit.’ A funny yet insightful observation on how technological progress accelerates change, contrasting past centuries with the rapid advancements expected in the future.

• Concerns About Free Speech and Platform Control - ‘Elon spends 44 billion dollars to purchase Twitter and then we find out all the stuff that’s going on.’ Highlights the significant impact of Elon Musk’s acquisition of Twitter on discussions about free speech and platform censorship.

• Insight on Historical Impact of Printing Press - ‘And then Martin Luther gets ahold of the printing press and prints his theses, which are mostly attacking the Church for corruption.’ Points out the transformative power of technology in shaping societal and religious movements, drawing a parallel with modern social media.

• Reflection on Religious Virtue and Societal Values - ‘I think a big part of our problem is we have lost all sense of religious virtue and values as a culture.’ Discusses the societal shift away from religious values, questioning its impact on contemporary moral and ethical standards.

• Skeptical View on UFOs and Government Disclosure - ‘They ridicule the idea that it’s swamp gas.’ This comment during a discussion on UFOs and government transparency adds a humorous yet skeptical view on how authorities handle unexplained phenomena.

What to Do

• ‘Challenge misinformation through free speech’ - Engaging in open dialogue and debate is essential for addressing and correcting misinformation, rather than suppressing speech which can lead to distrust and stifle scientific discovery.

• ‘Acknowledge and correct errors’ - Publicly correcting mistakes, especially in scientific or public health communications, can enhance credibility and public trust. It’s important that corrections are made openly so the learning process is transparent.

• ‘Encourage self-reliance and personal responsibility’ - Empowering individuals to take action and make decisions for themselves can lead to greater personal growth and resilience. This approach fosters independence and self-confidence.

• ‘Maintain skepticism of authoritative statements without evidence’ - Always question and critically evaluate information, especially when it comes from authoritative sources, to prevent the acceptance of misinformation.

• ‘Value the scientific process over credentials’ - Science should be open to everyone and judged on the basis of evidence and methodology, not merely on the credentials of the individuals presenting the information.

• ‘Promote open scientific debate’ - Encouraging diverse viewpoints and open discussion in the scientific community leads to a more robust understanding and prevents the suppression of alternative hypotheses.

• ‘Use personal experiences to inform and inspire others’ - Sharing personal struggles and successes can motivate others to seek help or make positive changes in their lives, particularly in contexts like overcoming trauma or addiction.

What to Get

• Apocalypse Never: Why Environmental Alarmism Hurts Us All Michael Shellenberger - Amazon

• San Fransicko: Why Progressives Ruin Cities by Michael Shellenberger - Amazon

• UFO: The Inside Story of the US Government’s Search for Alien Life Here—and Out There by Garrett Graff - Amazon - Understanding dismissals or explanations of UFOs in human literature could aid in understanding how humans perceive extraterrestrial phenomena.

Summary

In this intriguing podcast episode, the speakers delve into a comprehensive discussion on several contemporary and historical issues, reflecting on the power dynamics and societal changes that technology and policy have wrought over the years. The conversation starts with a philosophical examination of human evolution and technology’s role in shaping society. The speakers ponder the transformative impact of AI and sentient AI, expressing a mix of awe and concern about the future, which remains largely unpredictable even to the most imaginative science fiction authors.

A significant portion of the discussion is dedicated to the profound influence of technology on journalism. The speakers celebrate the current era as a golden age of journalism, where independent journalists have unprecedented access to large audiences, thanks to platforms like podcasts. This democratization of information dissemination is seen as a counter to traditional media, which often gets entangled with misinformation and propaganda. The podcast deeply appreciates the efforts of journalists who navigate through this complex landscape to bring forth truth and hold power to account.

The discourse then shifts to more sensitive and controversial areas like government transparency and the ethics of censorship. The speakers critically analyze the government’s role in controlling information, touching upon historical instances where the government withheld truth or misled the public. They express a strong stance against censorship, advocating for a free flow of information as essential to democracy.

Another critical issue discussed is the role of drugs and their regulation, contrasting attitudes in the United States with those in Europe. The conversation critiques the over-medicalization of natural processes and the potential benefits of psychedelics, especially for treating PTSD in veterans, highlighting the bureaucratic challenges that hinder research and therapeutic use.

The episode wraps up with a lively debate on UFOs and government secrecy. The speakers discuss the government’s inconsistent and often dismissive handling of UFO sightings and information, calling for greater transparency and protection for whistleblowers who wish to share their experiences and information without fear of retribution.

Overall, the podcast episode is a rich tapestry of dialogue that covers a wide range of important and sometimes controversial topics, challenging the listener to think critically about the information we consume and the future we are collectively shaping.