Our “Unaliving” Civilization

In the last decade, teen mental health has steadily declined—over 40% of high school students now say they feel persistently sad or hopeless. In this article we’ll examine what might be some of the causes, as well as some potential solutions.

Since the 2016 election, America has witnessed college campus protests against “controversial” or “dangerous” speakers. The Coddling of the American Mind explores this phenomenon, showing how a set of dangerous and false beliefs have taken root in the minds of today’s college students, convincing these young people that they are inherently fragile and must be protected from the allegedly harmful impacts of speech with which they disagree. This attitude threatens academic freedom, undermines democracy, and is ultimately harmful to the social and emotional development of today’s youth.

For millennia, humans struggled with three serious problems—famine, plagues, and war—which led to the deaths of millions of people and to the rise and fall of global empires. People coped with these problems and answered life's questions with religion. However, in the modern era, we no longer rely on prayer—we’ve mostly overcome these three problems through the development of technology and medical knowledge.

In Homo Deus, Yuval Noah Harari, a professor at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, envisions a future in which technology replaces humanist ideals and liberal government. Dissecting the concepts of religion, immortality, and technology, Harari argues that the world of the future may be run by advanced algorithms and artificial intelligence, not human beings.

In The God Delusion, University of Oxford biologist and anti-religion activist Richard Dawkins seeks to demystify religion and discredit faith. He explores the unlikelihood of God’s existence; how evolution by natural selection explains the centrality of religion to the human experience; and how religion promotes immoral values, impoverishes the human mind, and provides justification for intolerance and persecution. He argues that ultimately, we as humans must free ourselves from our self-imposed shackles by destroying faith and religion and positively embracing the full potential of our species.

This book answers the simple but essential question: Why can’t we all get along?

Moral psychologist Jonathan Haidt explains why people around the world, including liberals and conservatives in the United States, have different moral frameworks. He argues that moral judgments are emotional, not logical—they are based on stories rather than reason. Consequently, liberals and conservatives lack a common language, and reason-based arguments about morality are ineffective. This leads to political polarization.

The Righteous Mind explores how our divergent moralities evolved, why morality is about more than just fairness, and how we can counter our natural self-righteousness to decrease political divides.

Dive into the political fray with The Daily's Michael Barbaro and Nate Cohn as they dissect President Biden's precarious prospects in the swing states critical for the 2024 presidential election in this insightful episode. Amid a backdrop of declining popularity, the episode explores the intricacies of fluctuating demographics and strategic campaign maneuvers, noting that while the paths to President Biden's reelection exist, they are narrower than expected. Cohn's expertise illuminates the challenges and potential strategies for Biden in energizing his core supporters and winning back the moderates.

With an eye on historical precedents from past elections, particularly, George W. Bush's 2004 campaign strategy, the conversation delves into the dichotomy of satisfying the core base while reaching out to the white moderates who have drifted away. Meanwhile, Barbaro and Cohn also highlight Trump's evolving approach to wooing Latino voters and speculate on the unpredictable nature of a potential political realignment in America. Moreover, shifting focus to the international stage, they consider how current events, such as the Israeli strike in Gaza, might reverberate through U.S. policy and impact domestic opinions on Biden's administration.

Dive into a riveting analysis of geopolitical tensions and domestic policy critique on "The Ben Shapiro Show." Ben Shapiro, with his characteristic sharp wit, throws a spotlight on the evolving dynamics of U.S. foreign relations, particularly scrutinizing President Joe Biden's role in international diplomacy. From the nuances of the U.S.-China relationship and the complexities of the Ukraine-Russia conflict, Shapiro deciphers the global power shifts that could shape our future. He brings in perspectives from stakeholders like trucker Mike Kucharski to dissect the potential impact of domestic regulations on the American economy and quality of life.

Shapiro's examination extends beyond the realm of international politics, delving into domestic controversies and cultural conversations. He provides a hard-hitting critique of the Biden administration's economic strategies, discusses the alarming signs of a downturn, and highlights media narratives surrounding the Hunter Biden allegations. Cultural discourses also find a place in this episode, with Shapiro’s endorsement of Lionel Shriver's literary works and his commendations for tennis star Novak Djokovic. Engaging with his listeners at an even deeper level, Shapiro offers exclusive content through special membership opportunities, promising to expand the conversation with more in-depth material.

Embark on a critical journey through the complexities of the Israeli-Hamas conflict with Ben Shapiro in "The Ben Shapiro Show." Shapiro and his multifaceted panel, including Daniel Hagari, Raf Sanchez, Andrea Mitchell, and others, dissect the untold stories beneath the media's surface. In an episode that probes the strategic use of hospitals by Hamas forces, Shapiro sheds light on the military integration in civilian sanctuaries such as Rantisi Hospital in Gaza Strip, critiquing not only the militant maneuver but also the media and international organizations for their selective reporting and possible complicity with extremist activities.

Furthermore, this incisive episode explores the contentious intersections of American politics, as Shapiro scrutinizes the Biden administration's Middle East strategy, inspects intra-party conflicts within the Democratic Party, and confronts the rising tide of anti-Semitic rhetoric. From the challenges faced by Israel in distinguishing civilian shields from military targets to the ideological biases perpetuating extremist views, Shapiro calls for a reassessment of narrative, bias, and responsibility as expressed through American legislative and judicial processes. Tune in to witness a staunch defense of ethics in the Supreme Court, the stagnation of political change, and why every voice in public discourse warrants a critical ear.

Dive into a riveting episode of The Ben Shapiro Show, where host Ben Shapiro, along with guests Nima Elbagir and Chris Murphy, tackle culturally charged topics, including European immigration policy, free speech challenges, media biases, and an in-depth examination of the conflict between Israel and Hamas. In this politically charged discussion, Shapiro connects the controversies surrounding public figures with broader issues of national identity and policy.

This episode casts a critical eye on the global stage, scrutinizing shifting policies in the UK's Conservative Party, the complications of cultural assimilation, and the media's role in shaping narratives around multiculturalism and international conflicts. Listen as Shapiro cuts through the mainstream media's storyline, offers a pointed critique of the Israeli-Hamas prisoner exchange, dissects the U.S. political scene, and much more—all with his hallmark clarity and incisive commentary. Don't miss the insights on pivotal issues that continue to shape public discourse and governmental actions around the world.

Dive into the heart of geopolitical analysis and media critique with "The Ben Shapiro Show," where host Ben Shapiro and his high-profile lineup, featuring the likes of Walter Cronkite and Wolf Blitzer, dissect the complex dynamic between the media and the Israel-Hamas conflict. Shapiro engages in a thought-provoking discussion examining how historical coverage shapes public opinion, underlining the potential media bias that tends to misrepresent terrorist organizations as victims.

Explore the intricate geopolitics of the Middle East as Shapiro scrutinizes the roles of regional players like Iran and Egypt in the shaping of Hamas's strategies and the subsequent security challenges faced by Israel. Moreover, the episode delves into the internal rifts within the Democratic Party that have arisen from differing views on the conflict and the pragmatism involved in policy decisions, particularly in relation to aid distribution to Gaza under the Biden administration’s watch. "The Ben Shapiro Show" promises a blend of incisive commentary and intellectual fervor, drawing listeners into the nuanced debates that define the current American political landscape.

In a fervid discourse on "The Ben Shapiro Show," host Ben Shapiro, alongside legal powerhouse Alina Habba and a host of insightful guests, confronts the contentious nature of media coverage in the wake of a Nashville shooting and other extremist acts. Venturing into sensitive territory, Shapiro challenges the consistency in how the media reports on violent acts perpetrated by different groups, proposing that a significant bias exists which skews the public's perception of such events.

Continuing beyond the media narrative, Shapiro delves into the societal and political ramifications of protest movements and questions the Biden administration's selective attention to hate crimes and public safety. He meticulously unpacks the complexities of international relations through the lens of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, while also forecasting the shifting dynamics within U.S. electoral politics as the nation navigates Trump's ongoing legal saga and the future of the Democratic party leadership. Throughout the episode, Shapiro weaves in endorsements and promotional offers, tailoring each to resonate with his audience's core values.

Dive into a riveting episode of The Ben Shapiro Show, where host Ben Shapiro, along with guests Nima Elbagir and Chris Murphy, tackle culturally charged topics, including European immigration policy, free speech challenges, media biases, and an in-depth examination of the conflict between Israel and Hamas. In this politically charged discussion, Shapiro connects the controversies surrounding public figures with broader issues of national identity and policy.

This episode casts a critical eye on the global stage, scrutinizing shifting policies in the UK's Conservative Party, the complications of cultural assimilation, and the media's role in shaping narratives around multiculturalism and international conflicts. Listen as Shapiro cuts through the mainstream media's storyline, offers a pointed critique of the Israeli-Hamas prisoner exchange, dissects the U.S. political scene, and much more—all with his hallmark clarity and incisive commentary. Don't miss the insights on pivotal issues that continue to shape public discourse and governmental actions around the world.

Dive into the heart of geopolitical analysis and media critique with "The Ben Shapiro Show," where host Ben Shapiro and his high-profile lineup, featuring the likes of Walter Cronkite and Wolf Blitzer, dissect the complex dynamic between the media and the Israel-Hamas conflict. Shapiro engages in a thought-provoking discussion examining how historical coverage shapes public opinion, underlining the potential media bias that tends to misrepresent terrorist organizations as victims.

Explore the intricate geopolitics of the Middle East as Shapiro scrutinizes the roles of regional players like Iran and Egypt in the shaping of Hamas's strategies and the subsequent security challenges faced by Israel. Moreover, the episode delves into the internal rifts within the Democratic Party that have arisen from differing views on the conflict and the pragmatism involved in policy decisions, particularly in relation to aid distribution to Gaza under the Biden administration’s watch. "The Ben Shapiro Show" promises a blend of incisive commentary and intellectual fervor, drawing listeners into the nuanced debates that define the current American political landscape.