Episode
#167 – Saagar Enjeti: Politics, History, and Power
3:16:52
Published: Sun Mar 14 2021
Description
Saagar Enjeti is a DC-based political correspondent and podcaster. Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors: - The Jordan Harbinger Show: https://jordanharbinger.com/lex/ - Grammarly: https://grammarly.com/lex to get 20% off premium - Eight Sleep: https://www.eightsleep.com/lex and use code LEX to get special savings - Magic Spoon: https://magicspoon.com/lex and use code LEX to get $5 off EPISODE LINKS: Saagar's Twitter: https://twitter.com/esaagar Realignment Podcast: https://linktr.ee/esaagar 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/LexFridmanPage - 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 (10:19) - Hitler (14:39) - Evil (15:58) - Donald Trump (26:29) - Teddy Roosevelt (31:51) - Nazi Germany (36:47) - The balance of power in US government (40:43) - Bureaucracy (49:17) - Money (51:32) - UFOs (55:36) - Jeffrey Epstein (1:08:57) - Left and Right (1:19:40) - How to fix politics (1:45:07) - Political predictions (1:58:21) - Journalism (2:09:16) - Joe Rogan (2:16:43) - Lyndon Johnson (2:18:02) - World War I (2:22:53) - Dan Carlin (2:29:47) - How Stalin came to power (2:35:15) - Putin (2:41:25) - Lenin and Stalin (2:44:55) - Book recommendations (2:52:23) - Antarctica and Mars (2:59:37) - Born to Run (3:02:05) - Texas
Chapters
The podcast features an interview with a journalist who has interviewed major political figures and focuses on in-depth conversations about the best and worst aspects of human nature.
00:00 - 03:28 (03:28)
Summary
The podcast features an interview with a journalist who has interviewed major political figures and focuses on in-depth conversations about the best and worst aspects of human nature. The guest discusses their curiosity and ideas based on learning in the face of uncertainty, rather than relying on preconceived beliefs.
Episode#167 – Saagar Enjeti: Politics, History, and Power
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker reflects on his unhealthy diet during high school wrestling, where he ate sugary cereal while also starving himself to make weight.
03:28 - 09:52 (06:24)
Summary
The speaker reflects on his unhealthy diet during high school wrestling, where he ate sugary cereal while also starving himself to make weight. He also discusses the challenges of articulating difficult ideas and the exciting innovations in the field of food science.
Episode#167 – Saagar Enjeti: Politics, History, and Power
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
This episode explores Hitler's remarkable ability to put himself in the minds of the German people and his adversaries.
09:52 - 19:28 (09:35)
Summary
This episode explores Hitler's remarkable ability to put himself in the minds of the German people and his adversaries. It analyzes his talent to read coalitional politics and convince the right people to follow him, even to the point of convincing Mussolini to become second fiddle to him.
Episode#167 – Saagar Enjeti: Politics, History, and Power
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
A discussion about an enigmatic and intriguing person who is always conscious of the way he presents himself in front of the camera or his staff, while also being an interesting and friendly individual in private.
19:28 - 23:08 (03:40)
Summary
A discussion about an enigmatic and intriguing person who is always conscious of the way he presents himself in front of the camera or his staff, while also being an interesting and friendly individual in private.
Episode#167 – Saagar Enjeti: Politics, History, and Power
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
This podcast episode delves into the importance of understanding historical systems of power and how people who are well-read in history make great leaders by establishing a clear vision and understanding the incentives and disincentives within a system.
23:08 - 36:38 (13:29)
Summary
This podcast episode delves into the importance of understanding historical systems of power and how people who are well-read in history make great leaders by establishing a clear vision and understanding the incentives and disincentives within a system.
Episode#167 – Saagar Enjeti: Politics, History, and Power
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The nature of power and where it lies has remained relatively unchanged throughout history, with powerful individuals and groups often representing larger constituencies and crafting compromises to maintain their power.
36:38 - 41:57 (05:18)
Summary
The nature of power and where it lies has remained relatively unchanged throughout history, with powerful individuals and groups often representing larger constituencies and crafting compromises to maintain their power.
Episode#167 – Saagar Enjeti: Politics, History, and Power
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The conversation covers a discussion on the equitable distribution of money within politics and the frustration progressive people had (and still have) towards hiring individuals in positions of power who appear to prioritize the interests of those who have financial stability.
41:57 - 52:47 (10:50)
Summary
The conversation covers a discussion on the equitable distribution of money within politics and the frustration progressive people had (and still have) towards hiring individuals in positions of power who appear to prioritize the interests of those who have financial stability.
Episode#167 – Saagar Enjeti: Politics, History, and Power
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker discusses the government's lack of transparency in providing information and how media reporting can sometimes be insufficient.
52:47 - 55:52 (03:04)
Summary
The speaker discusses the government's lack of transparency in providing information and how media reporting can sometimes be insufficient.
Episode#167 – Saagar Enjeti: Politics, History, and Power
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker discusses how some individuals use shady and implicit interactions in order to build networks with those in positions of power, potentially engaging in creepy or immoral behaviour along the way.
55:52 - 1:03:53 (08:01)
Summary
The speaker discusses how some individuals use shady and implicit interactions in order to build networks with those in positions of power, potentially engaging in creepy or immoral behaviour along the way.
Episode#167 – Saagar Enjeti: Politics, History, and Power
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker discusses the dismissal of flat earth theories by scientists and the need for certainty in online debates.
1:03:53 - 1:07:56 (04:02)
Summary
The speaker discusses the dismissal of flat earth theories by scientists and the need for certainty in online debates.
Episode#167 – Saagar Enjeti: Politics, History, and Power
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker discusses how certain political positions tend to be associated with certain ideologies and how it can be difficult to define oneself as "center-right" or "marginally left."
1:07:56 - 1:13:08 (05:12)
Summary
The speaker discusses how certain political positions tend to be associated with certain ideologies and how it can be difficult to define oneself as "center-right" or "marginally left."
Episode#167 – Saagar Enjeti: Politics, History, and Power
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
A lot of GOP voters view illegal immigration as a way for Democrats to gain votes.
1:13:08 - 1:19:40 (06:32)
Summary
A lot of GOP voters view illegal immigration as a way for Democrats to gain votes. The rejection of free trade with China and political correctness, as well as a pro-worker message, led to Trump's election.
Episode#167 – Saagar Enjeti: Politics, History, and Power
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The $1,400 relief checks are among the most popular policies in America in 50 years.
1:19:40 - 1:23:53 (04:12)
Summary
The $1,400 relief checks are among the most popular policies in America in 50 years. However, by looping the checks into COVID relief bills and creating a caricature of the recipients, politicians are ruining their popularity.
Episode#167 – Saagar Enjeti: Politics, History, and Power
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Host and guest discuss the use of popular measures as a cover-up in politics and how they can be manipulated by politicians for their personal gain.
1:23:53 - 1:30:01 (06:08)
Summary
Host and guest discuss the use of popular measures as a cover-up in politics and how they can be manipulated by politicians for their personal gain.
Episode#167 – Saagar Enjeti: Politics, History, and Power
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
This podcast discusses how Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's social media tactics have inspired both Republicans and Democrats to adjust their own social media strategies, and how this may impact the future of politics.
1:30:01 - 1:34:26 (04:24)
Summary
This podcast discusses how Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's social media tactics have inspired both Republicans and Democrats to adjust their own social media strategies, and how this may impact the future of politics.
Episode#167 – Saagar Enjeti: Politics, History, and Power
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker discusses his disdain for the game of politics and corporate America, instead creating a new mentorship-oriented news program that serves people who feel unserved by corporate media.
1:34:26 - 1:40:09 (05:43)
Summary
The speaker discusses his disdain for the game of politics and corporate America, instead creating a new mentorship-oriented news program that serves people who feel unserved by corporate media.
Episode#167 – Saagar Enjeti: Politics, History, and Power
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker shares their admiration for a billionaire entrepreneur's ability to hyper-focus, hire the right people, and execute tasks to perfection, leading to their success.
1:40:09 - 1:45:07 (04:57)
Summary
The speaker shares their admiration for a billionaire entrepreneur's ability to hyper-focus, hire the right people, and execute tasks to perfection, leading to their success. Despite their wealth, the speaker believes that the entrepreneur's focus is not solely on money but on building something great.
Episode#167 – Saagar Enjeti: Politics, History, and Power
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Joe Biden's endorsement could make a significant impact on his chosen candidate's chances in the Democratic primary, and potentially in the general election.
1:45:07 - 1:48:28 (03:21)
Summary
Joe Biden's endorsement could make a significant impact on his chosen candidate's chances in the Democratic primary, and potentially in the general election. However, it is speculated that Joe Biden himself may run for the presidency once again in 2024 as well.
Episode#167 – Saagar Enjeti: Politics, History, and Power
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker reflects on the strong appeal of Donald Trump and Joe Rogan due to their ability to speak to the majority and provide popular solutions, while also acknowledging the potential dangers of electing inexperienced leaders.
1:48:29 - 1:52:34 (04:05)
Summary
The speaker reflects on the strong appeal of Donald Trump and Joe Rogan due to their ability to speak to the majority and provide popular solutions, while also acknowledging the potential dangers of electing inexperienced leaders.
Episode#167 – Saagar Enjeti: Politics, History, and Power
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The ongoing era is expected to be remembered for space exploration by commercial companies, the role of artificial intelligence in social media, and bold actions amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
1:52:34 - 1:58:31 (05:57)
Summary
The ongoing era is expected to be remembered for space exploration by commercial companies, the role of artificial intelligence in social media, and bold actions amid the Covid-19 pandemic. The speaker also shares an optimistic view stating that great leaders will always defeat influencers.
Episode#167 – Saagar Enjeti: Politics, History, and Power
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker argues that the rise of podcasts in journalism is a good thing because it allows for more diverse voices and less concentrated news sources, which can combat groupthink and monoculture in traditional journalism.
1:58:31 - 2:04:11 (05:39)
Summary
The speaker argues that the rise of podcasts in journalism is a good thing because it allows for more diverse voices and less concentrated news sources, which can combat groupthink and monoculture in traditional journalism.
Episode#167 – Saagar Enjeti: Politics, History, and Power
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
A discussion about how people are willing to sacrifice some money from being independent to be a part of the New York Times social circle, and how the New York Times remains a go-to source for opinions mentioned on podcasts.
2:04:11 - 2:09:48 (05:37)
Summary
A discussion about how people are willing to sacrifice some money from being independent to be a part of the New York Times social circle, and how the New York Times remains a go-to source for opinions mentioned on podcasts.
Episode#167 – Saagar Enjeti: Politics, History, and Power
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker describes starting a scientific-based podcast with the goal of emulating Joe Rogan's podcast but for the scientific community.
2:09:48 - 2:14:39 (04:51)
Summary
The speaker describes starting a scientific-based podcast with the goal of emulating Joe Rogan's podcast but for the scientific community.
Episode#167 – Saagar Enjeti: Politics, History, and Power
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker reflects on the importance of World War I as the culmination of the monarchies and the beginning of global shifts in history.
2:14:39 - 2:22:21 (07:42)
Summary
The speaker reflects on the importance of World War I as the culmination of the monarchies and the beginning of global shifts in history.
Episode#167 – Saagar Enjeti: Politics, History, and Power
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The pressure of being correct in his understanding of history burdens the author as he avoids certain topics and thinks more from a team perspective to appeal to a certain audience, hindering his ability to think outside of the box.
2:22:21 - 2:28:28 (06:06)
Summary
The pressure of being correct in his understanding of history burdens the author as he avoids certain topics and thinks more from a team perspective to appeal to a certain audience, hindering his ability to think outside of the box.
Episode#167 – Saagar Enjeti: Politics, History, and Power
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker expresses their fascination with the history of Russian autocracy and reflects on the series of events that led up to the rise of Lenin, Trotsky, and Stalin.
2:28:28 - 2:33:00 (04:31)
Summary
The speaker expresses their fascination with the history of Russian autocracy and reflects on the series of events that led up to the rise of Lenin, Trotsky, and Stalin.
Episode#167 – Saagar Enjeti: Politics, History, and Power
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Understanding Russian defense theory, which includes protection of the heartland and the encirclement by NATO.
2:33:00 - 2:37:07 (04:07)
Summary
Understanding Russian defense theory, which includes protection of the heartland and the encirclement by NATO. Additionally, the speaker challenges the Western perspective of Yeltsin and Russian propaganda.
Episode#167 – Saagar Enjeti: Politics, History, and Power
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The discussion delves into the complexities surrounding the nature of Putin's leadership and the games of power that led him to gain and maintain power in Russia.
2:37:07 - 2:41:34 (04:26)
Summary
The discussion delves into the complexities surrounding the nature of Putin's leadership and the games of power that led him to gain and maintain power in Russia. The conversation also touches on the nature of the bureaucracy around Putin, the nature of Russia, and how most Russians feel about him but also talks about the criticisms against Putin's executive skills.
Episode#167 – Saagar Enjeti: Politics, History, and Power
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker suggests that assumptions towards powerful people possibly abusing their power may not be entirely true since their motivations may be driven by ideas rather than self-interest alone.
2:41:34 - 2:45:53 (04:19)
Summary
The speaker suggests that assumptions towards powerful people possibly abusing their power may not be entirely true since their motivations may be driven by ideas rather than self-interest alone. He also acknowledges the potential flaw of attributing his own characteristics to others when referring to conspiracy theories.
Episode#167 – Saagar Enjeti: Politics, History, and Power
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
This is a story about a Norwegian explorer who, after his ship sank, led his crew to survival on the ice for a year with little resources, and managed to navigate 800 miles through rough seas to Prince George's Island.
2:45:53 - 2:52:11 (06:18)
Summary
This is a story about a Norwegian explorer who, after his ship sank, led his crew to survival on the ice for a year with little resources, and managed to navigate 800 miles through rough seas to Prince George's Island.
Episode#167 – Saagar Enjeti: Politics, History, and Power
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The conversation explores how pushing the limits of exploration has consequences that create a better world back home, as well as raises the quality of life for everybody.
2:52:11 - 2:58:07 (05:56)
Summary
The conversation explores how pushing the limits of exploration has consequences that create a better world back home, as well as raises the quality of life for everybody.
Episode#167 – Saagar Enjeti: Politics, History, and Power
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker defends Malcolm Gladwell's writing style, which she believes provides a clear understanding of the human race to the average person, and explains how his books help to tap into primal aspects of the brain to drive self-improvement.
2:58:07 - 3:01:32 (03:24)
Summary
The speaker defends Malcolm Gladwell's writing style, which she believes provides a clear understanding of the human race to the average person, and explains how his books help to tap into primal aspects of the brain to drive self-improvement.
Episode#167 – Saagar Enjeti: Politics, History, and Power
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker discusses the difficulties of growing up in a town that lacked cultural diversity and was predominantly white and evangelical Christian, which made it hard for them to relate to others and feel accepted.
3:01:32 - 3:10:43 (09:11)
Summary
The speaker discusses the difficulties of growing up in a town that lacked cultural diversity and was predominantly white and evangelical Christian, which made it hard for them to relate to others and feel accepted.
Episode#167 – Saagar Enjeti: Politics, History, and Power
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Texas is now a dynamic economy with a large incentive for those who are more culturally liberal.
3:10:43 - 3:15:22 (04:39)
Summary
Texas is now a dynamic economy with a large incentive for those who are more culturally liberal. The state is more urbanized and moving away from its reliance on oil and gas.
Episode#167 – Saagar Enjeti: Politics, History, and Power
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The podcast host converses with Sagar and Jetty about new ideas and political perspectives in Austin and Texas.
3:15:24 - 3:16:36 (01:11)
Summary
The podcast host converses with Sagar and Jetty about new ideas and political perspectives in Austin and Texas. The episode ends with sponsor advertisements and a quote from Martin Luther King Jr.