I know! My son turned me onto those Vril posts (largely from teenage boys in Eastern Europe seeking virilis [Latin for “manly” or “strong”] personas). He’s surprised there hasn’t been more attention put on this trend…it’s that pervasive…and is considering bringing it to the attention of professors at his school and writing his own paper! 😏
Thanks so much for picking up on my paper, Brad, and sharing the ideas. I like the way you further unpack Peirce's philosophy, in light of what are we to do to help people shed their misinformation? I totally agree that trying to argue or 'prove' them out of it doesn't work. There are some nice episodes on the Critical thinking podcast "You are not so smart" about this - have you seen them?
Thanks, Cathy, for taking the time to comment and inspiring perspectives and practice. I’m thrilled you brought your voice to my post. America could use a dose of its home brewed pragmatic philosophy! I have not heard that Critical Thinking podcast, but am looking for it now! 🙏
You lost me when you put The NY Times In the realm of truth tellers. Do a little research on Pulitzer Prize winning reporter Walter Duranty from the 1930s and you would know they have little integrity and always been a shill and propaganda machine for progressive politics. The truth has no bearing on their reporting.
So anytime someone says anecdotal, it is usually about their feelings and has nothing to do with facts. Chris Hedges is a full on communist, at least was the last time I read anything from him. So not a progressive. And I thought the link was going to be from him. But Paul Krugman. Wow. Thanks for letting me know the NT Times fired him. It has been a long time coming. I wish him well but it is long past time he was stopped from misinforming the American public. Disagreement is often the first step to knowledge. Most people won’t read any opposing viewpoints. I enjoyed your article. Keep up the good work. I look forward to your next article
Thanks, Kevin, for thanks for taking the time to comment. I see your point about Walter Duranty. I could have been more nuanced in that reference. My intent was directed at how institutions, including The New York Times, have historically played a role in shaping public discourse through verification mechanisms—imperfect as they may be. I chuckle at your view, shared by many, that they’re a progressive shill while most progressives claim just the opposite! 😏
I chuckle back at you…was there a poll showing “most progressives claim the opposite” that I missed. What is your verification method in making this statement?
P.s. that history of the 'Vril' tale is wild
I know! My son turned me onto those Vril posts (largely from teenage boys in Eastern Europe seeking virilis [Latin for “manly” or “strong”] personas). He’s surprised there hasn’t been more attention put on this trend…it’s that pervasive…and is considering bringing it to the attention of professors at his school and writing his own paper! 😏
Thanks so much for picking up on my paper, Brad, and sharing the ideas. I like the way you further unpack Peirce's philosophy, in light of what are we to do to help people shed their misinformation? I totally agree that trying to argue or 'prove' them out of it doesn't work. There are some nice episodes on the Critical thinking podcast "You are not so smart" about this - have you seen them?
Thanks, Cathy, for taking the time to comment and inspiring perspectives and practice. I’m thrilled you brought your voice to my post. America could use a dose of its home brewed pragmatic philosophy! I have not heard that Critical Thinking podcast, but am looking for it now! 🙏
You lost me when you put The NY Times In the realm of truth tellers. Do a little research on Pulitzer Prize winning reporter Walter Duranty from the 1930s and you would know they have little integrity and always been a shill and propaganda machine for progressive politics. The truth has no bearing on their reporting.
So anytime someone says anecdotal, it is usually about their feelings and has nothing to do with facts. Chris Hedges is a full on communist, at least was the last time I read anything from him. So not a progressive. And I thought the link was going to be from him. But Paul Krugman. Wow. Thanks for letting me know the NT Times fired him. It has been a long time coming. I wish him well but it is long past time he was stopped from misinforming the American public. Disagreement is often the first step to knowledge. Most people won’t read any opposing viewpoints. I enjoyed your article. Keep up the good work. I look forward to your next article
Thanks, Kevin, for thanks for taking the time to comment. I see your point about Walter Duranty. I could have been more nuanced in that reference. My intent was directed at how institutions, including The New York Times, have historically played a role in shaping public discourse through verification mechanisms—imperfect as they may be. I chuckle at your view, shared by many, that they’re a progressive shill while most progressives claim just the opposite! 😏
I chuckle back at you…was there a poll showing “most progressives claim the opposite” that I missed. What is your verification method in making this statement?
🤭No data, just anecdotal…probably my own confirmation bias. Here’s data point one of one…but a big one. Chris Hedges would be another. https://open.substack.com/pub/contrarian/p/departing-the-new-york-times?r=90bfe&utm_medium=ios
Misinformation combined with intimidation, profiteering, and a smile makes for very confusing times.
Thanks for commenting, David! Yes, “bewildering” seems to be a word that pops in my head a bunch. Bewildering times