Continuing our Northern Review series, Sam Allen identifies seven under-the-radar thinkers who he thinks deserve to be above-the-radar.

 

Jeffrey Tucker

A writer and public speaker, Jeffrey Tucker is the editorial director at the American Institute for Economic Research and enthusiastically advocates for laissez-faire capitalism and specifically, decentralised finance in the form of Bitcoin. He self-identifies as an anarcho-capitalist, and while that may conjure up images of a surly teenager trying to be edgy, Tucker defies the eye-roll inducing stereotype. Cultured and impressively erudite, he is a formidable spokesman for the Austrian School of Economics as well as for cryptocurrency.

There are many issues Tucker writes about, but one he has spent a great deal of time studying and is increasingly pressing, is the contemporary resurgence of far-right nationalism, or as he simply puts it: fascism.

His most recent book, Right-Wing Collectivism: The Other Threat to Liberty, analyses the dangers of right-wing ultra-nationalism and how it seeks to undermine democracy and classical liberalism. In this work he examines the modern manifestations of far-right ideology, specifically the Alt-Right, and lays out its revamped politics of resentment. Tucker also traces the history of this worldview, detailing the collectivist right at the height of its power in early 20thcentury fascism to its philosophical roots in the 17thand 18thcentury. He pulls no punches while dissecting the rhetoric and policies of President Trump, who he plainly calls a fascist and cites the technical definition of term to do so.

It goes without saying that Tucker as an anarcho-capitalist is no admirer of the Left or the Right, and makes that very clear in his writing (in his view, Bernie Sanders and Trump share more in common than either man would like to admit). So there’s no doubt this book will certainly ruffle feathers of readers on both sides of the political aisle. But this should not dissuade anyone who considers themselves to be a moderate from reading his work. It is obvious that Tucker has done an enormous amount of research for this project, which was not only time consuming but, as he admitted in an interview, emotionally taxing given the morbid nature of the material. Despite these difficulties, he still felt compelled to highlight the forgotten lessons of the last century and why anyone who values freedom and democracy should not get complacent over a seemingly vanquished threat.

 

Camille Paglia

Academic and culture critic Camille Paglia is probably the most controversial person on this list. A renegade feminist cultivated in the turbulent years of the 1960’s, she has described her own brand of feminism “street smart” and even “pugilistic.” This is not hyperbole, as she clearly has no issue locking horns with those she disagrees with.

She has been a fierce defender of free speech for decades and an ardent opponent of political correctness as far back as the early 90’s when the attitude first appeared in the public spotlight. Her critique has extended to modern day universities, which she believes has been overrun by ‘PC culture’. Moreover, Paglia has stated that this ideology drove out free-thinking individuals from the humanities who wouldn’t capitulate to the institutional status-quo.

Though where Paglia especially courts controversy is in her scathing criticism of contemporary feminism. In her view, it has infantilised women and ultimately done more harm than good. While she was at the centre of second wave feminism in the 60’s, she found herself consistently at odds with the views of her fellow feminist activists. Feminism to her was about women taking on responsibility for their own chooses and having the freedom to take risks rather than being molly-coddled by paternalistic figures. Specifically, she has said that the true female liberation brought about by her generation was the push back against overprotective intrusions from administrative bodies. This self-awareness extends to her own wider politics as well. While a lifelong Democrat, Paglia does not hold back her frustrations with the shortcomings of the American left. And her view of Hillary Clinton, the first woman to have a real change of becoming US President? Uncharitable, to put it mildly.

Outside of politics, Paglia is a passionate devotee of the arts. Her astute, in-depth (and fast-paced) musings on art can captivate any listener as she illustrates the deep human experiences behind art that we all identify with. For example, she provides the best defence you’ll ever hear of why the third Star War’s prequel, Revenge of the Sith, is not only sorely underrated but also why the finale is one of the best pieces of cinema ever made (yes, really).

For an unique rapid-fire perceptive on feminism, art and culture, see Camille Pagila.

 

Eric Weinstein

Weinstein is a mathematician, economist and managing director of Thiel Capital. When he’s not working out theorems or managing millions of dollars he provides insightful commentary on the social-political landscape.

In particular, he breaks down in amazing detail the contemporary state of political discourse and how it ended up in such a divisive, unproductive mess. Weinstein is particularly adept at spotting detrimental patterns within the mayhem of the 24/7 news cycle and explaining how they undermine objective news reporting. For example, using a four-quadrant grid, he lays out the relationship between a contrived media narrative and an honest but shunned narrative, and the subsequent moral virtue each is ascribed. Additionally, he describes the four distinct varieties of fake news that mislead people, highlighting that this is much more complex and subtler than simply making something up. After listening to Weinstein, you won’t look at the media in the same way again.

For those frustrated with the media and how out of touch it has become, listening to Weinstein will be highly refreshing. He succinctly articulates the flaws of the industry and what ultimately needs to be done to improve it. Moreover, he is consistently non-partisan and balanced in his analyse as he is genuinely trying to give constructive criticism. To those who are worried that he simply a mathematically gifted Sean Hannity, Weinstein is anything but. He voted (somewhat reluctantly) for Bernie Sanders in 2016 and has been equally critical of Trump and Hillary Clinton. This is a man who isn’t afraid to think independently and honestly speak his mind, irrespective of who may disapprove. Additionally, if you are interested in mathematics then you’ll certainly enjoy listening to Weinstein explain foundational principles and exotic theories of what he calls the “language of reality.”

Even if you do not share not his conclusions, Weinstein’s observations, concerns and ponderings are definitely worth your attention.

 

Jonathan Haidt

Haidt is a sociology professor who examines the psychology of moral values. In 2012 he released his landmark book The Righteous Mind, an in-depth analysis of why otherwise ethical, thoughtful people are so bitterly divided over politics. This work is now more than ever enormously relevant as partisan rivalry in many Western nations has boiled over into genuine hatred for the other side.

Haidt warns that not only does this animosity alienate us from our neighbours and drags down debate into essentially name-calling, it also leads to the dangerous mind-set of ‘us versus them’. He shows that political disagreements are at their core due to the contrasting, but equally valuable moral principles people hold. So, if you’ve ever been exasperated by the views of someone who you vehemently disagree with, bear in mind that it’s simplistic to write them off as obtuse or malicious. More than likely, they just put more emphasis on a different moral conviction than you do.

Lately, Haidt has focused on the controversies and unrest that has been occurring on university campuses in English-speaking countries over the last several years. Specifically, the increasingly belligerent student activism and hostility towards foundational values such as freedom of speech; widely known as ‘PC Culture’. He describes how well-intentioned but naïve policies designed to protect young people ultimately led to a generation becoming emotionally volatile to any perceived offence. Not only does this set up young people to be more vulnerable to anxiety disorders, Haidt warns, it also erodes the foundational university ethos of free open enquiry.

Similar to Eric Weinstein, Haidt is not a partisan hitman looking to land cheap shots on ideological opponents; to the contrary, he is a centrist motivated by a desire to dial down the political fervour. On several occasions, he has stated that he does not want to cast anyone or any group as the villain in this cultural fracas. Rather, Haidt is seeking to point out the natural human tendency towards tribalism and what can be done to circumvent this.

 

Tim Ferris

A largely apolitical figure, for a change in pace. A true polymath, Tim Ferris has probably the most colourful and varied background on this list. The best description of his career would be author and entrepreneur, though that’s a massive simplification. He has undertaken such a vast range of pursuits and business ventures, it would take a lot more than one article to summarise.

What I personally am intrigued by, among many of Ferris’s projects, is his unending pursuit towards mastering the art of learning. He’s descripted himself as a “human guinea pig,” meaning he’s willing to undertake a range of intensive and sometimes extreme challenges in order to put his faculities to the test. These challenges, or ‘experiments’ as Ferris puts it, entail learning a new skill in a short period of time and then having to perform said skill under pressure. This could be learning a new language and then being interviewed in that new lingo on live TV or learning to play drums with the aim of playing in a concert that weekend. Ferris isn’t a “dip your toe in first” kind of guy.

One my personal favourites is his challenge to competitively grapple against a Brazilian Ju-jitsu champion…with only five days’ training.

Additionally, Ferris has also dedicated a significant portion of his life studying what mindsets and routines the most successful people in the world consciously adopt and practice. He details these observations in his two most recent books Tools of Titansand Tribe of Mentors. To find this level of wisdom and insight centralised in two easily attainable sources is rare, and it would be difficult for someone to not find something of value. Alongside his writing, Ferris also hosts one of the most popular podcasts out there, the Tim Ferris Show. Interviewees include actors such as Jamie Foxx, authors like Malcolm Gladwell and even military personnel such as retired 4-star General Sam McChrystal. My own recommendations would be Ferris’ sit-down with TV and movie star Terry Crews, and retired Navy SEAL Jocko Wilink.

 

Timothy Snyder

An expert on the history of Eastern Europe, the Holocaust and authoritarianism, Snyder has written a number of books on the despotic regimes and genocides of the early 20th century. While he was already well established in his field, he has become much more outspoken and prolific in recent years due to what he sees as the rapid retreat of liberal democracy in the world.

What arguably makes Snyder stand above other historians is his ability to speak five and read ten European languages, allowing him to directly utilise primary sources for his work. The subtle meanings and obscure turns of phrases he is able to comprehend gave him the ability to analysis at a much deeper level the European societies that descended into tyranny. Moreover, this broad spectrum of linguistic understanding and subsequent insight, allows Snyder to integrate the seemingly separate experiences that he believes are unduly isolated, and present them as one complete story.

Another unique element Snyder brings is the fact he is has distilled his observations into real practical advice. This has mainly come in the form of his concise 2017 book On Tyranny. It’s worth noting that while this work is similar to Tucker’s, it’s probably more accessible to those holding a centrist worldview. Snyder viewed this project as urgently important, saying the book “had to happen.” It is a short work which could be easily read within the space of a weekend but contains the refined knowledge of years of academic study and reflection. Citing numerous examples from the Soviet Union and Third Reich, Snyder outlines twenty lessons that he believes are critical to recognising and resisting the preludes to dictatorship. Again, this isn’t just for the sake of intellectual inquiry, the book was described by its author as a manual to be applied to everyday interactions (one of the rules is “Make eye contact and small talk”).

So, if you are concerned about the current state of affairs not only will you find Snyder’s work thought-provoking and fascinating, you’ll feel empowered by it.

  

Matthew Walker

The self-described ‘sleep diplomat’, Walker is psychologist who has done years of intensive research into the seemingly mundane but, as he discovered, absolutely vital activity.

Walker’s findings revealed that sleep is not only critically important to well-being and cognitive performance but also to general health. Yet surprisingly medical schools spend a very small amount of time educating doctors of the health benefits of a good night’s sleep. The universal ignorance surrounding sleep has concerned Walker so much he’s not only written a book about it, he’s even lobbying at the World Health Organisation (hence his tongue-in-cheek title).

Several months ago, Walker appeared on the Joe Rogan podcast to explain his research and why he advocates for better awareness of the value of sleep. It’s not an exaggeration to state that this podcast may have some of the most important health advice you ever hear.