JRE #869 – Dave Rubin

by

11/7/2016

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This podcast explores Dave Rubin’s perspective on a range of controversial topics, including political correctness, free speech, the state of the left, and the rise of Donald Trump. Underlying themes revolve around the erosion of open dialogue, the dangers of censorship, the role of social media in shaping public discourse, and the search for individual fulfillment in a chaotic and interconnected world.

Topics

1. Drug Use and Mental Expansion

  • Rubin discusses his personal experiences with psychedelics, particularly LSD and mushrooms, and their impact on his perspective and creativity.
  • He emphasizes the need for balance between mental exploration and maintaining functionality, particularly in his work as a comedian and commentator.
  • The conversation delves into the varying effects of different drugs on individuals, drawing comparisons between LSD’s intensity and the more mellow experience of mushrooms.
  • Rubin shares a humorous anecdote about his and Donker’s podcasting experience while on LSD, highlighting the potential for both insightful and erratic behavior under the influence.

2. The Evolution of Success and Materialism

  • Rubin reflects on his personal definition of success, marking a milestone when he transitioned from an IKEA couch to a real couch, purchased with the support of his fans.
  • The conversation explores the societal pressure to achieve material success, particularly in the context of the entertainment industry, and the potential for this pressure to lead to mental and physical anxieties.
  • Rubin shares his experience with hair loss and the subsequent decision to shave his head, illustrating the liberating impact of shedding societal expectations surrounding appearance.
  • The discussion delves into the psychology of body image and the constant pursuit of perfection, referencing both hair transplants and cosmetic surgery as examples of individuals seeking external validation.

3. Political Correctness and the Suppression of Free Speech

  • Rubin delves into the increasingly sensitive landscape of free speech, critiquing the current climate of political correctness and its impact on open dialogue.
  • He discusses the case of Milo Yiannopoulos and his ban from Twitter, arguing that the justification for his suspension was unwarranted and exemplifies the dangers of censorship.
  • The conversation examines the double standards surrounding free speech, particularly regarding the different consequences faced by individuals based on their race and perceived power within social media.
  • Rubin contrasts the left’s embrace of censorship with their past support for individual freedoms, arguing that the current approach to silencing opposing viewpoints ultimately expands state power and hinders the free exchange of ideas.

4. The Politicization of Sports and Entertainment

  • Rubin critiques the growing trend of politicizing sports and entertainment, arguing that many fans seek escape from political discussions in these domains.
  • He cites the awarding of Caitlin Jenner as ESPN’s Athlete of the Year and the focus on racial issues in NBA broadcasts as examples of the blurring lines between sports and politics.
  • The conversation examines the potential impact of politicization on viewership and the role of the market in influencing content decisions.
  • Rubin acknowledges the platform athletes and commentators have to address social issues but argues for balance between activism and entertainment.

5. The Rise of Social Media and the Mob Mentality

  • Rubin discusses the increasing prominence of social media as a platform for both communication and public shaming, illustrating the phenomenon with the case of the “Taco Bell” woman.
  • He highlights the dangers of mob mentality, where individuals are swiftly condemned and ostracized for perceived transgressions, often for tasteless jokes or controversial opinions.
  • The conversation explores the implications of this online culture for free speech and the erosion of individual responsibility, creating a climate where even harmless mistakes can have devastating consequences.
  • Rubin contrasts this phenomenon with the case of Gawker, arguing that while invasive journalism can be problematic, the targeted attacks on individuals often stem from a desire to destroy reputations and silence dissenting voices.

6. Donald Trump’s Psychology and Tactics

  • Rubin delves into Donald Trump’s psychological profile, examining his narcissistic tendencies and his penchant for trolling and provoking outrage.
  • He analyzes Trump’s use of social media, particularly Twitter, as a means to gain attention and circumvent traditional media outlets, often generating controversy to garner free publicity.
  • The conversation explores Trump’s interactions with prominent figures like Alec Baldwin, John Stewart, and Hillary Clinton, highlighting his confrontational style and his willingness to engage in public battles.
  • Rubin argues that Trump’s tactics, while unorthodox and often offensive, have been effective in disrupting the established political system and appealing to a segment of the electorate who feel marginalized and disenfranchised.

7. The Corruption of the Democratic Party

  • Rubin criticizes the Democratic Party’s internal machinations, particularly highlighting the alleged corruption within the Democratic National Committee (DNC).
  • He examines the handling of the Bernie Sanders campaign and the revelations from WikiLeaks, exposing the DNC’s efforts to favor Hillary Clinton over Sanders.
  • The conversation explores the pervasiveness of cronyism and establishment power within the Democratic Party, highlighting the influence of individuals like Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Donna Brazile.
  • Rubin argues that the Democrats’ own actions have contributed to the public’s disillusionment with the political system and have exacerbated the polarization of American politics.

8. The Inevitability of Transparency and the Demise of Old Systems

  • Rubin posits that the rise of the internet and its ability to disseminate information rapidly and widely is fundamentally changing the way we communicate and interact with the world.
  • He argues that the old systems of government, media, and even money are becoming increasingly obsolete as technology advances and information becomes more accessible and transparent.
  • The conversation explores the implications of this shift for traditional institutions, suggesting that the current political and economic structures may not be sustainable in a world where transparency and instant communication are the norm.
  • Rubin contends that this technological progression will ultimately lead to a future where deception becomes nearly impossible, forcing individuals and organizations to operate more honestly and openly.

9. The Impact of Technology on Human Consciousness and Behavior

  • Rubin explores the impact of technology on our brains and behavior, highlighting the potential for addiction and the rewiring of neural pathways due to excessive exposure to digital devices and social media.
  • He discusses the increasing reliance on technology for information, entertainment, and communication, and the potential for this dependence to disconnect us from real-world experiences and genuine human interactions.
  • The conversation delves into the importance of finding balance and practicing self-discipline in our use of technology, advocating for conscious choices that prioritize physical activity, meditation, and real-world experiences.
  • Rubin suggests that the relentless pursuit of technological advancement and the constant bombardment of information could be shaping us toward a future where we become more interconnected and less individual, perhaps leading toward a collective hive mind.

10. The Role of Morality and Ethics in a Complex World

  • Rubin delves into the complexities of moral judgment and the challenge of discerning truth in a world filled with conflicting narratives and information overload.
  • He acknowledges that both Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump have significant flaws and ethical shortcomings, yet emphasizes the need to separate their personal behaviors from their potential impact on the country.
  • The conversation explores the dangers of demonizing individuals and overlooking their potential for positive impact, suggesting that even those with questionable pasts can contribute to the betterment of society.
  • Rubin argues that we must learn to navigate the gray areas of morality, recognizing that both individuals and institutions are flawed, and that judging solely on the basis of past transgressions can blind us to potential for positive change.

11. The Importance of Individual Action and Responsibility

  • Rubin encourages listeners to take responsibility for their own actions and choices, advocating for critical thinking, self-awareness, and conscious engagement with the world.
  • He emphasizes the need to manage our own mental and emotional well-being, advocating for practices like meditation, physical activity, and healthy relationships that foster positive energy and personal growth.
  • The conversation explores the importance of recognizing and confronting our own biases and weaknesses, and the power of taking action to create positive change in our own lives and the world around us.
  • Rubin challenges listeners to step away from the constant barrage of online noise and immerse themselves in real-world experiences, fostering deeper connections with themselves and others.

12. The Illusion of Control and the Search for Meaning

  • Rubin delves into the illusion of control, examining the human desire to find solutions to complex problems and the tendency to seek out leaders who promise simple answers and decisive action.
  • He criticizes the over-reliance on political figures to solve all of our problems, reminding listeners that the president is but one branch of a complex system of government and that true progress often requires collective effort.
  • The conversation explores the dangers of seeking meaning and fulfillment solely from external sources like material possessions, social status, or political figures, advocating for a deeper search for purpose and connection within ourselves and our communities.
  • Rubin encourages listeners to embrace their own flaws and complexities, acknowledging that the human experience is messy and imperfect, and that true happiness lies in accepting and embracing the full spectrum of life’s challenges and joys.

13. The Enduring Power of Tribalism and the Need for Empathy

  • Rubin addresses the pervasive nature of tribalism in human society, highlighting the tendency to form groups based on shared beliefs and values, often leading to polarization and conflict.
  • He criticizes the tendency to demonize and dehumanize those who hold differing views, emphasizing the need for empathy and understanding in navigating diverse perspectives.
  • The conversation examines the dangers of creating an “us vs. them” mentality, advocating for a more nuanced approach to political discourse that acknowledges the complexities of human behavior and the shared values that bind us together.
  • Rubin encourages listeners to seek common ground with those who hold different beliefs, recognizing that progress is often achieved through collaboration and understanding rather than division and conflict.

14. The Complexity of Global Politics and the Challenges of Foreign Policy

  • Rubin discusses the challenges of navigating global politics and the difficult decisions that arise when dealing with authoritarian regimes and complex international conflicts.
  • He acknowledges the complexities of maintaining relationships with countries like Saudi Arabia, highlighting the tensions between promoting human rights and safeguarding national interests.
  • The conversation explores the role of diplomacy and the need for pragmatic solutions in addressing global challenges, recognizing that the world is not always black and white and that nuanced approaches are often required.
  • Rubin emphasizes the importance of understanding different cultures and perspectives, advocating for a more nuanced approach to international relations that prioritizes dialogue and collaboration over unilateral action.

15. The Impact of the 2016 Presidential Election on American Society

  • Rubin discusses the highly polarized nature of the 2016 presidential election and the role of social media in amplifying both positive and negative sentiments.
  • He reflects on the unprecedented level of outrage and division within American society, acknowledging the complexities of navigating these tensions and the importance of fostering civil discourse.
  • The conversation explores the potential implications of the election outcome for the future of American politics and the direction of the country, emphasizing the need for healing and unity in the face of division.
  • Rubin encourages listeners to approach the election with a sense of hope and optimism, believing that despite the challenges, the American system is resilient and that citizens can play an active role in shaping the future of their country.

Memorable Quotes

  • “I believe the end of the world is tomorrow. So you were the preview to the end of the world.” – Dave Rubin, referencing the impending election.
  • “It’s so it’s such a shame the way things have turned.” – Dave Rubin, lamenting the current climate of political correctness and its impact on free speech.
  • “People are they’re so frustrated. They’re frustrated about language and all the bullshit and seeing all the nonsense between the media and the White House correspondence dinner.” – Dave Rubin, commenting on the public’s disillusionment with the political system.
  • “The defense I can give of him is that he’s using the system against itself.” – Dave Rubin, offering a nuanced perspective on Donald Trump’s political tactics.
  • “I think the key is to not even concentrate on that. To be aware of it, to recognize it, to address it. But just concentrate on…living in the moment.” – Dave Rubin, emphasizing the importance of mindfulness and appreciating the present moment.



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