Michael Shermer with Dave Rubin — Don’t Burn This Book: Thinking for Yourself in an Age of Unreason

Listen to the Science Salon Podcast # 113 (audio-only):

The left is no longer liberal. Once on the side of free speech and tolerance, progressives now ban speakers from college campuses, “cancel” people who aren’t up to date on the latest genders, and force religious people to violate their conscience. They have abandoned the battle of ideas and have begun fighting a battle of feelings. This uncomfortable truth has turned moderates and true liberals into the politically homeless class. Dave Rubin launched his political talk show The Rubin Report in 2015 as a meeting ground for free thinkers who realize that partisan politics is a dead end. He hosts people he both agrees and disagrees with — including those who have been dismissed, deplatformed, and despised — taking on the most controversial issues of our day. As a result, he’s become a voice of reason in a time of madness. Now, Rubin gives you the tools you need to think for yourself in an age when tribal outrage is the only available alternative. Shermer and Rubin discuss:

• why he left the Left

• how progressive leftism is illiberal

• how identity politics makes people more racist, misogynist, homophobic, bigoted, and less tolerant

• liberalism and classical liberalism

• how to stand up to the mob when it comes after you for not perfectly toeing the PC line

• individual rights and limited government

• immigration, abortion, gun rights, foreign policy, income inequality, and other hot-button issues, and

• why Jordan Peterson is not the anti-Christ despite what progressives say.

Dave Rubin is the creator and host of The Rubin Report, the most-watched talk show about free speech and big ideas on YouTube. A former progressive turned classical liberal, he speaks to millions all over the world, including touring with Dr. Jordan Peterson, and performs stand-up comedy in cities around the United States. Originally from Long Island, New York, he currently lives in Los Angeles with his husband, David, and their dog, Emma. This is his first book.

This dialogue was recorded on April 3, 2020 as part of the Science Salon Podcast series hosted by Michael Shermer and presented by The Skeptics Society, in California.

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