Pessimism and Politics
In this special episode, hosts Medaya Ocher, Kate Wolf, and Eric Newman consider the role of pessimism in our approach to contemporary politics.
By LARB Radio HourAugust 2, 2024
:quality(75)/https%3A%2F%2Fassets.lareviewofbooks.org%2Fuploads%2FRH_Pessimism.png)
Listen to the episode
Pessimism and Politics
00:00/00:00
Keep LARB free.
Donations to LARB keep us paywall-free. If you’ve read a piece of ours, tuned in to the LARB Radio Hour, attended an event: please consider giving today. Through January 9, all donations will be matched.
Subscribe on Podcasts | Spotify | SoundCloud
Do you love listening to the LARB Radio Hour? Support the production of this weekly podcast on books, art, and culture. Donate today.
Could feeling bad actually be good? In this special episode, hosts Medaya Ocher, Kate Wolf, and Eric Newman consider the uses of pessimism in our approach to contemporary politics. Digging into Joshua Foa Dienstag’s 2006 book Pessimism: Philosophy, Ethic, Spirit they discuss this branch of philosophical thought: its core beliefs and practitioners, how it’s been misunderstood, and how we might use it to navigate the boomeranging emotions of our present political climate.
LARB Contributor
The LARB Radio Hour is hosted by Eric Newman, Medaya Ocher, and Kate Wolf.
LARB Staff Recommendations
When Reform Isn't Enough: Afropessimism's Argument for a New Society
This week, co-hosts Eric and Medaya talk to professor, writer, and revolutionary, Frank B. Wilderson III and his latest book, Afropessimism.
Does Criticism Still Matter?
In this special episode, hosts Medaya Ocher, Kate Wolf, and Eric Newman debate an age-old question: what does it mean for criticism to “matter”?