Episode
#354 – Jeremi Suri: American Civil War
3:06:01
Published: Wed Jan 25 2023
Description
Jeremi Suri is a historian at UT Austin. Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors: - Eight Sleep: https://www.eightsleep.com/lex to get special savings - BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com/lex to get 10% off - InsideTracker: https://insidetracker.com/lex to get 20% off - Athletic Greens: https://athleticgreens.com/lex to get 1 month of fish oil EPISODE LINKS: Jeremi's Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremisuri This is Democracy podcast: https://podcasts.la.utexas.edu/this-is-democracy Jeremi's Website: https://jeremisuri.net Jeremi's Books: 1. Civil War by Other Means: https://amzn.to/3hRa3cT 2. The Impossible Presidency: https://amzn.to/3hTn5X8 3. Henry Kissinger: https://amzn.to/3WqkBOY 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 (06:45) - Revolutions and governments (24:23) - American Civil War (33:35) - Lincoln and election of 1860 (37:25) - Slavery (50:35) - Freedom of speech (1:02:17) - Death toll of the Civil War (1:05:36) - Ulysses S. Grant (1:07:45) - Ku Klux Klan (1:19:27) - Robert E. Lee (1:27:11) - Abraham Lincoln (1:42:18) - If the south won (1:50:54) - Hypocrisy of the Founders (1:56:56) - John Wilkes Booth (2:00:11) - White supremacy (2:05:34) - Disputed elections (2:15:56) - Politics (2:24:20) - Donald Trump and Joe Biden (2:37:06) - January 6th (3:02:04) - Hope for the future
Chapters
The speaker shares how taking a shower gives a feeling of control and refreshment, while getting enough sleep, even in the form of a nap, can transform one's outlook on the world.
00:00 - 02:15 (02:15)
Summary
The speaker shares how taking a shower gives a feeling of control and refreshment, while getting enough sleep, even in the form of a nap, can transform one's outlook on the world.
Episode#354 – Jeremi Suri: American Civil War
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
This podcast discusses the flaws present in democratic institutions in the United States with a particular emphasis on flaws of exclusion.
02:15 - 11:22 (09:07)
Summary
This podcast discusses the flaws present in democratic institutions in the United States with a particular emphasis on flaws of exclusion. The speaker highlights how conversation through podcasts can help achieve greater intellectual intimacy and overcome these flaws.
Episode#354 – Jeremi Suri: American Civil War
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
In this episode, the host discusses the collective agreement of people in the financial system to abide by certain rules and how individuals can choose to opt-out.
11:22 - 18:53 (07:30)
Summary
In this episode, the host discusses the collective agreement of people in the financial system to abide by certain rules and how individuals can choose to opt-out. He also shares his fears of living in a society where everyone agrees because of his ethnic background.
Episode#354 – Jeremi Suri: American Civil War
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
This podcast episode discusses the Emancipation Proclamation and the power of human resilience in moments of war and struggle, focusing on the stories of those who fought for their freedom.
18:53 - 24:11 (05:18)
Summary
This podcast episode discusses the Emancipation Proclamation and the power of human resilience in moments of war and struggle, focusing on the stories of those who fought for their freedom.
Episode#354 – Jeremi Suri: American Civil War
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The Republican Party was founded by Lincoln and focused on the idea of the economy of opportunity.
24:11 - 30:45 (06:33)
Summary
The Republican Party was founded by Lincoln and focused on the idea of the economy of opportunity. This economy had to be open and free of slavery, most noticeably in new states being added to the union.
Episode#354 – Jeremi Suri: American Civil War
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
This podcast episode touches on the historical implications of slavery and gun ownership in America.
30:45 - 37:42 (06:57)
Summary
This podcast episode touches on the historical implications of slavery and gun ownership in America. The host discusses the expansion of slavery into new territories and the potential consequences of giving guns to the entire populace during a time of war.
Episode#354 – Jeremi Suri: American Civil War
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The concept of choosing to allocate resources only to help oneself and one's own family is challenged by the idea of creating institutions that allow people to do good for others and the world, ultimately benefiting themselves.
37:42 - 43:48 (06:05)
Summary
The concept of choosing to allocate resources only to help oneself and one's own family is challenged by the idea of creating institutions that allow people to do good for others and the world, ultimately benefiting themselves.
Episode#354 – Jeremi Suri: American Civil War
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
This podcast discusses the founding ideas that the United States was built upon, such as creating a government of the people, by the people, and for the people through democracy.
43:48 - 47:19 (03:31)
Summary
This podcast discusses the founding ideas that the United States was built upon, such as creating a government of the people, by the people, and for the people through democracy. It explores how these ideals played a role in the Civil War and how they continue to be debated today.
Episode#354 – Jeremi Suri: American Civil War
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Democracy means being accountable to the people and creating procedures to serve the public without harming other elements not in the majority.
47:19 - 52:27 (05:08)
Summary
Democracy means being accountable to the people and creating procedures to serve the public without harming other elements not in the majority. As representatives become more powerful, there is a risk of becoming detached from the public's needs.
Episode#354 – Jeremi Suri: American Civil War
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker believes that it is important to establish a clear and consistent set of rules for free speech that allows everyone to participate but also puts limitations on certain forms of speech.
52:27 - 58:27 (05:59)
Summary
The speaker believes that it is important to establish a clear and consistent set of rules for free speech that allows everyone to participate but also puts limitations on certain forms of speech. These rules should also be transparent and readily available to the public to understand biases and decision-making processes.
Episode#354 – Jeremi Suri: American Civil War
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The need to remove dark and violent content from social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter is a growing concern.
58:27 - 1:02:05 (03:37)
Summary
The need to remove dark and violent content from social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter is a growing concern. Investment in skilled professionals and artificial intelligence can help to combat this issue and make the internet a safer space for humanity to flourish.
Episode#354 – Jeremi Suri: American Civil War
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The Civil War and World War I were similar in their use of hand-to-hand combat, resulting in the deaths of thousands of soldiers in close proximity to their killers.
1:02:05 - 1:07:50 (05:45)
Summary
The Civil War and World War I were similar in their use of hand-to-hand combat, resulting in the deaths of thousands of soldiers in close proximity to their killers. Progress can be made when strong leaders stand up against hate speech and prejudice towards certain groups, even during times of war.
Episode#354 – Jeremi Suri: American Civil War
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The history of the KKK shows that police officers, judges, and other law enforcement officials have often been active members, making it easier for them to gain higher ranks.
1:07:50 - 1:12:37 (04:47)
Summary
The history of the KKK shows that police officers, judges, and other law enforcement officials have often been active members, making it easier for them to gain higher ranks. This history can create distrust among communities who fear law enforcement using their power to intimidate and harm those who challenge their authority.
Episode#354 – Jeremi Suri: American Civil War
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
This transcript discusses the importance of understanding infamous figures and their actions by asking them tough questions and analyzing their mindset and how power affects it.
1:12:37 - 1:17:10 (04:32)
Summary
This transcript discusses the importance of understanding infamous figures and their actions by asking them tough questions and analyzing their mindset and how power affects it.
Episode#354 – Jeremi Suri: American Civil War
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Interviewers could be asking out of touch questions because they are afraid of being attacked or it is not the culture to do deep investigative work.
1:17:10 - 1:20:58 (03:47)
Summary
Interviewers could be asking out of touch questions because they are afraid of being attacked or it is not the culture to do deep investigative work. However, not taking the time to understand the society a person leads can result in irrelevant questions being asked.
Episode#354 – Jeremi Suri: American Civil War
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The Civil War is a unique case in American history because the people who fought in the war still live in the same place where the battles occurred.
1:20:59 - 1:26:11 (05:12)
Summary
The Civil War is a unique case in American history because the people who fought in the war still live in the same place where the battles occurred. On the other hand, World War II is not a good model to analyze history because it had a clear end and a defeated enemy.
Episode#354 – Jeremi Suri: American Civil War
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Lincoln used different sets of stories to persuade different groups of people to move the country forward during the Civil War, even if at times it meant using reasons other than moral outrage.
1:26:11 - 1:29:54 (03:43)
Summary
Lincoln used different sets of stories to persuade different groups of people to move the country forward during the Civil War, even if at times it meant using reasons other than moral outrage.
Episode#354 – Jeremi Suri: American Civil War
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Leaders should plan for a handoff if they fail, lose power or momentum, or pass away to ensure that their ideals and legacy continue.
1:29:54 - 1:34:55 (05:00)
Summary
Leaders should plan for a handoff if they fail, lose power or momentum, or pass away to ensure that their ideals and legacy continue. This is particularly important for long-term impact and vision for a country or region.
Episode#354 – Jeremi Suri: American Civil War
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The power gained during times of war can be dangerous and anti-democratic, placing decision making in the hands of a few individuals.
1:34:55 - 1:38:58 (04:03)
Summary
The power gained during times of war can be dangerous and anti-democratic, placing decision making in the hands of a few individuals. It is important to understand how to properly handle and propagate power during war to avoid negative consequences.
Episode#354 – Jeremi Suri: American Civil War
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
A discussion on the potential outcomes if Abraham Lincoln had not been assassinated, including the possibility of a separate country in the South and a different path towards reconstruction, as well as speculation on how Lincoln's leadership style might have evolved post-war.
1:38:58 - 1:44:00 (05:01)
Summary
A discussion on the potential outcomes if Abraham Lincoln had not been assassinated, including the possibility of a separate country in the South and a different path towards reconstruction, as well as speculation on how Lincoln's leadership style might have evolved post-war.
Episode#354 – Jeremi Suri: American Civil War
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The Civil War was a better way to end slavery in the South than another war.
1:44:00 - 1:52:48 (08:47)
Summary
The Civil War was a better way to end slavery in the South than another war. A newly united nation out of the Civil War could spread its influence to other areas, which would have been harder to do if it had to deal with a rival to the South.
Episode#354 – Jeremi Suri: American Civil War
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Sometimes choosing to remain silent on social media can be a courageous act, as it allows us to wait, learn, and truly understand a situation before we take action.
1:52:48 - 1:56:55 (04:07)
Summary
Sometimes choosing to remain silent on social media can be a courageous act, as it allows us to wait, learn, and truly understand a situation before we take action. The author also emphasizes the importance of standing up against oppression and manipulation, even if it means not receiving immediate praise.
Episode#354 – Jeremi Suri: American Civil War
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Some individuals, such as John Wilkes Booth, believed in a "bounded democracy" solely for white people and not for those of other races.
1:56:55 - 2:02:29 (05:33)
Summary
Some individuals, such as John Wilkes Booth, believed in a "bounded democracy" solely for white people and not for those of other races. The differences between white nationalism, white supremacism, and Christian nationalism are discussed, as well as the concept of using a democracy exclusively for a specific group of people.
Episode#354 – Jeremi Suri: American Civil War
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The conversation centers around the intersection of religion and politics in America as well as the ongoing issue of voter suppression.
2:02:29 - 2:09:45 (07:15)
Summary
The conversation centers around the intersection of religion and politics in America as well as the ongoing issue of voter suppression. The host and guest discuss how exclusivity in religious beliefs can lead to discrimination and how violence can occur when suppressing voters.
Episode#354 – Jeremi Suri: American Civil War
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The US election system is unnecessarily complex, making it easy for people to claim fraud without actual evidence.
2:09:45 - 2:15:38 (05:53)
Summary
The US election system is unnecessarily complex, making it easy for people to claim fraud without actual evidence. The complexity of the system has historical roots in disenfranchising minority groups, such as the black community during the time of the Ku Klux Klan.
Episode#354 – Jeremi Suri: American Civil War
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Lex Fridman discusses how the press uses certain terms like "white supremacist" too broadly and how this ruins the ability to use language with precision.
2:15:38 - 2:24:39 (09:00)
Summary
Lex Fridman discusses how the press uses certain terms like "white supremacist" too broadly and how this ruins the ability to use language with precision. He also argues that people on both the left and right can learn from history about ideologies like white supremacy to create a better system for assessing what people like and don't like.
Episode#354 – Jeremi Suri: American Civil War
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker believes that there are too many people who think we can't make things better, and that we need to believe that we can in order to give people hope.
2:24:39 - 2:30:11 (05:32)
Summary
The speaker believes that there are too many people who think we can't make things better, and that we need to believe that we can in order to give people hope. While he may not have all the answers, he thinks that we should strive to make things better.
Episode#354 – Jeremi Suri: American Civil War
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The podcast discusses the difference between philosophical disagreement that can escalate to hate and hate-watching, such as The Daily Show, where viewers seem to enjoy how much they hate the show's host.
2:30:11 - 2:37:07 (06:55)
Summary
The podcast discusses the difference between philosophical disagreement that can escalate to hate and hate-watching, such as The Daily Show, where viewers seem to enjoy how much they hate the show's host. The podcast also touched on how influential and serious figures inevitably have some people who hate them, but it should not stop them from doing the right thing.
Episode#354 – Jeremi Suri: American Civil War
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker argues for and against the idea that the January 6th siege of the U.S. Capitol was a big deal.
2:37:07 - 2:41:11 (04:04)
Summary
The speaker argues for and against the idea that the January 6th siege of the U.S. Capitol was a big deal. He notes that while some may dismiss it as a mere clown show, the overwhelming evidence suggests that it was a serious event with significant implications.
Episode#354 – Jeremi Suri: American Civil War
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Barack Obama discusses the danger of President Trump's attempt to stay in office, putting people's lives at risk and distorting the government on an unprecedented scale.
2:41:11 - 2:47:56 (06:44)
Summary
Barack Obama discusses the danger of President Trump's attempt to stay in office, putting people's lives at risk and distorting the government on an unprecedented scale. Obama highlights the importance of the people doing the work of democracy at this critical time.
Episode#354 – Jeremi Suri: American Civil War
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
In this episode, the host explores the tendency for extremism in youth culture, particularly among boys, and the potential dangers of giving too much power to ideology-driven young adults in universities.
2:47:56 - 2:56:57 (09:00)
Summary
In this episode, the host explores the tendency for extremism in youth culture, particularly among boys, and the potential dangers of giving too much power to ideology-driven young adults in universities.
Episode#354 – Jeremi Suri: American Civil War
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
One approach to explaining and legitimizing government to those who may not support it is through non-partisan conversations that open with questions and a focus on understanding different perspectives.
2:56:57 - 3:02:15 (05:18)
Summary
One approach to explaining and legitimizing government to those who may not support it is through non-partisan conversations that open with questions and a focus on understanding different perspectives. While differences may exist, it is possible to find common ground and work towards positive change.
Episode#354 – Jeremi Suri: American Civil War
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The author believes that even though the division and hate in society is prevalent, it can still be addressed by acknowledging its existence and rectifying challenges in institutions.
3:02:15 - 3:06:07 (03:52)
Summary
The author believes that even though the division and hate in society is prevalent, it can still be addressed by acknowledging its existence and rectifying challenges in institutions.