Episode
#349 – Bhaskar Sunkara: The Case for Socialism
3:52:03
Published: Thu Dec 22 2022
Description
Bhaskar Sunkara is a democratic socialist, political writer, founding editor of Jacobin, president of The Nation, and author of The Socialist Manifesto. Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors: - House of Macadamias: https://houseofmacadamias.com/lex and use code LEX to get 20% of your first order - Linode: https://linode.com/lex to get $100 free credit - Onnit: https://lexfridman.com/onnit to get up to 10% off - InsideTracker: https://insidetracker.com/lex to get 20% off - ExpressVPN: https://expressvpn.com/lexpod to get 3 months free EPISODE LINKS: Bhaskar's Twitter: https://twitter.com/sunraysunray Jacobin: https://jacobin.com Jacobin's Twitter: https://twitter.com/jacobin The Nation: https://thenation.com The Socialist Manifesto (book): https://amzn.to/3hKpt2p PODCAST INFO: Podcast website: https://lexfridman.com/podcast Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2lwqZIr Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2nEwCF8 RSS: https://lexfridman.com/feed/podcast/ YouTube Full Episodes: https://youtube.com/lexfridman YouTube Clips: https://youtube.com/lexclips SUPPORT & CONNECT: - Check out the sponsors above, it's the best way to support this podcast - Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lexfridman - Twitter: https://twitter.com/lexfridman - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lexfridman - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lexfridman - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lexfridman - Medium: https://medium.com/@lexfridman OUTLINE: Here's the timestamps for the episode. On some podcast players you should be able to click the timestamp to jump to that time. (00:00) - Introduction (13:24) - Socialism (31:54) - Communism (58:31) - Class struggle (1:09:33) - Quality of life (1:17:29) - Unions (1:29:57) - Corruption (1:43:15) - Freedom of speech (1:51:38) - War (1:59:24) - Karl Marx (2:13:03) - Socialist vision (2:18:28) - AI and socialism (2:23:26) - Socialist policies (2:48:45) - Billionaires (2:54:43) - Bernie Sanders (3:05:10) - AOC (3:17:11) - 2024 presidential election (3:22:05) - China (3:31:06) - Jacobin (3:38:35) - The Socialist Manifesto (3:45:55) - Advice for young people (3:49:28) - Meaning of life
Chapters
The founder of Jacobin magazine and author of the Socialist Manifesto, Bhaskar Sunkara, speaks with the host about the importance of radical politics in contemporary society, challenging the current capitalist system, and the future of socialism.
00:00 - 03:13 (03:13)
Summary
The founder of Jacobin magazine and author of the Socialist Manifesto, Bhaskar Sunkara, speaks with the host about the importance of radical politics in contemporary society, challenging the current capitalist system, and the future of socialism.
Episode#349 – Bhaskar Sunkara: The Case for Socialism
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The podcast host expresses his admiration for people who use technology and their skills to build a better world for the Linux community.
03:13 - 08:17 (05:03)
Summary
The podcast host expresses his admiration for people who use technology and their skills to build a better world for the Linux community. He discusses the importance of celebrating great companies and people who contribute to the growth and development of the Linux community.
Episode#349 – Bhaskar Sunkara: The Case for Socialism
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker talks about how personalized data from the human body should be taken into account in medicine and how democratic socialism can extend democracy into the economic and social spheres.
08:17 - 14:51 (06:34)
Summary
The speaker talks about how personalized data from the human body should be taken into account in medicine and how democratic socialism can extend democracy into the economic and social spheres. They also mention the potential for personal optimization with advancements like Brain Computer Interfaces.
Episode#349 – Bhaskar Sunkara: The Case for Socialism
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The host and guest discuss the ethics of capitalism, how to reward innovation and hard work while reducing extreme disparities in wealth and ensuring that those at the bottom of the labor market are not exploited.
14:51 - 30:47 (15:55)
Summary
The host and guest discuss the ethics of capitalism, how to reward innovation and hard work while reducing extreme disparities in wealth and ensuring that those at the bottom of the labor market are not exploited.
Episode#349 – Bhaskar Sunkara: The Case for Socialism
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The experiences and resources available to a person are fundamentally different depending on the conditions of where they grow up.
30:47 - 38:02 (07:15)
Summary
The experiences and resources available to a person are fundamentally different depending on the conditions of where they grow up. The speaker believes in a world beyond capitalism and thinks socialism and communism share a mutual ancestor.
Episode#349 – Bhaskar Sunkara: The Case for Socialism
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The rise of a small party with little popular support but significant power in certain cities was able to gain more support with the chaos of World War I and the revolution.
38:02 - 48:03 (10:00)
Summary
The rise of a small party with little popular support but significant power in certain cities was able to gain more support with the chaos of World War I and the revolution. In contrast, FDR's national popular appeals united working-class people by giving them a stake in the country's success.
Episode#349 – Bhaskar Sunkara: The Case for Socialism
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker argues that increasing the ability to democratically shape investment priorities and allowing ordinary people to have more stake in the workplace leads beyond social democracy to socialism.
48:03 - 59:25 (11:22)
Summary
The speaker argues that increasing the ability to democratically shape investment priorities and allowing ordinary people to have more stake in the workplace leads beyond social democracy to socialism. The speaker also suggests that the polarization between the working-class and the capitalist class is created by the class division of capitalism.
Episode#349 – Bhaskar Sunkara: The Case for Socialism
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker discusses the advantages and disadvantages of cooperative firms.
59:25 - 1:08:06 (08:40)
Summary
The speaker discusses the advantages and disadvantages of cooperative firms. While workers may be more productive in these firms, the lack of ability to fire people quickly may hinder the firm's competitiveness in the market.
Episode#349 – Bhaskar Sunkara: The Case for Socialism
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Economic freedom has a significant impact on entrepreneurship and GDP growth.
1:08:06 - 1:18:08 (10:02)
Summary
Economic freedom has a significant impact on entrepreneurship and GDP growth. More capitalism and economic freedom lead to higher levels of quality of life, wealth, and GDP growth over time.
Episode#349 – Bhaskar Sunkara: The Case for Socialism
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
A firm needs to be innovative and productive in order to compete in the market, regardless of the wages it pays its workers.
1:18:08 - 1:28:14 (10:05)
Summary
A firm needs to be innovative and productive in order to compete in the market, regardless of the wages it pays its workers. The union can collectively bargain to increase wages, but the focus should be on long-term success rather than immediate gains.
Episode#349 – Bhaskar Sunkara: The Case for Socialism
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker advocates for central planning in healthcare, transit, and natural monopolies, but acknowledges that corruption may arise in systems built on state allocation of resources through bureaucracies.
1:28:14 - 1:37:32 (09:17)
Summary
The speaker advocates for central planning in healthcare, transit, and natural monopolies, but acknowledges that corruption may arise in systems built on state allocation of resources through bureaucracies. Prioritizing meritocracy may help reduce corruption.
Episode#349 – Bhaskar Sunkara: The Case for Socialism
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The debate over free speech has become contentious among certain factions of the Left, with some advocating for censorship, while others, particularly on the Marxist or socialist Left, emphasize the importance of freedom of speech and the press.
1:37:32 - 1:48:52 (11:19)
Summary
The debate over free speech has become contentious among certain factions of the Left, with some advocating for censorship, while others, particularly on the Marxist or socialist Left, emphasize the importance of freedom of speech and the press.
Episode#349 – Bhaskar Sunkara: The Case for Socialism
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The idea of different countries each having their own armies will be seen as ridiculous, just as it is ridiculous that lords from different English cities would engage in civil strife, according to historian Thaddeus Russell.
1:48:52 - 1:57:30 (08:37)
Summary
The idea of different countries each having their own armies will be seen as ridiculous, just as it is ridiculous that lords from different English cities would engage in civil strife, according to historian Thaddeus Russell. Libertarianism tends to be consistently anti-war, but the right has historically been associated with war and nationalism.
Episode#349 – Bhaskar Sunkara: The Case for Socialism
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The Marxist theory of history is rooted in the idea that there are different modes of production based on material conditions that lead to changes in society and the economy.
1:57:30 - 2:06:13 (08:43)
Summary
The Marxist theory of history is rooted in the idea that there are different modes of production based on material conditions that lead to changes in society and the economy. It highlights the contradictions of capitalism, where wealth is privately directed and appropriated, leading to class inequality that eventually results in a socialist society.
Episode#349 – Bhaskar Sunkara: The Case for Socialism
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Workers and capitalists are mutually dependent, but ordinary workers need their jobs more than capitalists need individual workers' contributions, leading to an asymmetrical relationship.
2:06:13 - 2:14:45 (08:31)
Summary
Workers and capitalists are mutually dependent, but ordinary workers need their jobs more than capitalists need individual workers' contributions, leading to an asymmetrical relationship. The stability of the system was underestimated, and it is essential to advocate for day-to-day reforms and politically organize to build a cohesive working class.
Episode#349 – Bhaskar Sunkara: The Case for Socialism
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The podcast host and guest discuss the possibility of using AI for central planning in the future, removing some human elements, while also keeping a degree of democratic decision-making in the process.
2:14:45 - 2:26:06 (11:21)
Summary
The podcast host and guest discuss the possibility of using AI for central planning in the future, removing some human elements, while also keeping a degree of democratic decision-making in the process.
Episode#349 – Bhaskar Sunkara: The Case for Socialism
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The public option, defined as a way to opt into a public plan without paying for it, could act as a back door to universal healthcare and result in many dropping their private coverage.
2:26:06 - 2:34:37 (08:30)
Summary
The public option, defined as a way to opt into a public plan without paying for it, could act as a back door to universal healthcare and result in many dropping their private coverage. One national insurance carrier negotiating prices with doctors and pharmaceutical companies could help reduce costs and provide new planning options.
Episode#349 – Bhaskar Sunkara: The Case for Socialism
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The problems facing education in America are deep and often cannot be solved by education alone.
2:34:37 - 2:44:05 (09:27)
Summary
The problems facing education in America are deep and often cannot be solved by education alone. While underfunding may be an issue for some schools, simply increasing funding will not solve deeper issues in society such as inequality and access to resources.
Episode#349 – Bhaskar Sunkara: The Case for Socialism
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
People who strive for wealth and success often desire more than just money, they also want social respect and recognition.
2:44:05 - 2:51:47 (07:42)
Summary
People who strive for wealth and success often desire more than just money, they also want social respect and recognition. Some prefer the government to tax them and invest in productive sectors to gain a sense of purpose.
Episode#349 – Bhaskar Sunkara: The Case for Socialism
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
While Elon Musk is seen as an innovator with crazy ideas pushing the boundaries of technology, Bernie Sanders is grounded in the day-to-day lives and struggles of the people he represents.
2:51:47 - 3:01:16 (09:28)
Summary
While Elon Musk is seen as an innovator with crazy ideas pushing the boundaries of technology, Bernie Sanders is grounded in the day-to-day lives and struggles of the people he represents. Some self-described socialists do not consider Bernie a real socialist because of this.
Episode#349 – Bhaskar Sunkara: The Case for Socialism
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The danger of being a national cultural figure is the possibility of resentment towards the audience that you attract.
3:01:16 - 3:11:31 (10:15)
Summary
The danger of being a national cultural figure is the possibility of resentment towards the audience that you attract. In the case of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, this could end up fueling the extremes of American politics.
Episode#349 – Bhaskar Sunkara: The Case for Socialism
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Political figures need to reduce their rhetoric and focus on a few key issues to maintain message discipline.
3:11:31 - 3:17:58 (06:26)
Summary
Political figures need to reduce their rhetoric and focus on a few key issues to maintain message discipline. AOC has been cautious with the Democratic Party establishment and hasn't set fire to everything for a chance at presidency.
Episode#349 – Bhaskar Sunkara: The Case for Socialism
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker debates whether or not having a leader to follow helps to enhance people's knowledge of politics and issues on the left.
3:17:58 - 3:26:23 (08:24)
Summary
The speaker debates whether or not having a leader to follow helps to enhance people's knowledge of politics and issues on the left. Additionally, the speaker suggests that it may be valuable to overlook moral opposition to China's development under an authoritarian government and observe what they actually accomplished.
Episode#349 – Bhaskar Sunkara: The Case for Socialism
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The host discusses the potential benefits and drawbacks of a social democratic system in Russia, as well as the reasons why the Chinese Communist Party still maintains majority support despite lifting people out of poverty.
3:26:23 - 3:31:53 (05:30)
Summary
The host discusses the potential benefits and drawbacks of a social democratic system in Russia, as well as the reasons why the Chinese Communist Party still maintains majority support despite lifting people out of poverty.
Episode#349 – Bhaskar Sunkara: The Case for Socialism
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The importance of feedback and audience response in personal and professional growth is discussed, including the value of both positive and negative feedback.
3:31:53 - 3:35:43 (03:49)
Summary
The importance of feedback and audience response in personal and professional growth is discussed, including the value of both positive and negative feedback.
Episode#349 – Bhaskar Sunkara: The Case for Socialism
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The focus on "white privilege" by some on the left is not only morally wrong, but it may also be counterproductive.
3:35:43 - 3:45:28 (09:44)
Summary
The focus on "white privilege" by some on the left is not only morally wrong, but it may also be counterproductive. Instead of identifying people based on their identity, the focus should be on the broad movement towards social democratic systems and socialism as part of the same movement.
Episode#349 – Bhaskar Sunkara: The Case for Socialism
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The podcast highlights the importance of exploring bold ideas like socialism to make the world a better place.
3:45:28 - 3:52:40 (07:12)
Summary
The podcast highlights the importance of exploring bold ideas like socialism to make the world a better place. It also emphasizes the significance of understanding history and geography to contextualize the present-day geopolitical conflicts and politics.