Thanks for another excellent column. I hadn't seen the word "dysopia" before, and it's hard to find it in online dictionaries, but it's clear it SHOULD be in greater use because there's a whole lot of it going on today, and no other word I can think of describes the feeling quite as precisely. There is a constant dull, largely unfocused feeling among the populace of being bullied, partly by explicit government rules but largely by pressures that CAN be resisted but not without summoning up some gumption that may be lacking if there's also a feeling of hopelessness. Understanding that it's liberating to say "no" even when the rest of the world seems to be acquiescing is a big step toward mental health. And leading by example can be a powerful motivator to others as well.
Mike, I don't know remember if Professor Fontaine used the word in the linked public lecture but it was the backbone of his lecture for Plato's Academy which is behind a paywall.
Goodness, thank you so much, Barry. I have appreciated your reflections on totalitarianism and have gleaned many gems from your stellar recommendations and quotes.
Thanks for another excellent column. I hadn't seen the word "dysopia" before, and it's hard to find it in online dictionaries, but it's clear it SHOULD be in greater use because there's a whole lot of it going on today, and no other word I can think of describes the feeling quite as precisely. There is a constant dull, largely unfocused feeling among the populace of being bullied, partly by explicit government rules but largely by pressures that CAN be resisted but not without summoning up some gumption that may be lacking if there's also a feeling of hopelessness. Understanding that it's liberating to say "no" even when the rest of the world seems to be acquiescing is a big step toward mental health. And leading by example can be a powerful motivator to others as well.
Thank you, JdL. Until this spring dysopia was new to me too. And you're right, it's a great word for our times. More "gumption" is certainly needed.
Barry, I can’t find dysopia anywhere online. Can you point to me where I can find it? Thanks, Mike
Mike, I don't know remember if Professor Fontaine used the word in the linked public lecture but it was the backbone of his lecture for Plato's Academy which is behind a paywall.
Okay and thanks! Have a great July 4th
YES to NO! “The Politics of Obedience” is one of my favorite political texts and features heavily in my second essay from a couple years ago:
• “COVID IS OVER! … If You Want It” (https://margaretannaalice.substack.com/p/covid-is-over-if-you-want-it)
BECOME UNGOVERNABLE ✊
Your essay is brilliant and evocative, Margaret. Thank you for sharing it.
Aww, thank you, Barry. That means a lot coming from you.
I owe you a belated thank-you for introducing me to Vasily Grossman, whom I quoted in this interview:
• “My Croatian Weekly (Hrvatski Tjednik) Interview” (https://margaretannaalice.substack.com/p/my-croatian-weekly-hrvatski-tjednik)
Margaret, Reading your work this morning has given me goosebumps.
I'm so glad Grossman has found another champion. He is perhaps the greatest champion of freedom that people have never heard of or read.
Goodness, thank you so much, Barry. I have appreciated your reflections on totalitarianism and have gleaned many gems from your stellar recommendations and quotes.
Seek the truth - come what may.
Speak the truth - come what may.
Thx Barry for your encouragement.
Thank you, Chris.