The Path of the Scholar is about making the unknown, known. Not simply to acquire information. Not simply to point out facts. But to march through the jungle of suspicion and skepticism into greater clarity, greater utility of knowledge, and greater prosperity based upon that utility.

The way to heaven goes through hell, and the path of the warrior is the way we develop the ability and competence to survive and thrive on that journey.

Is civilization technology or idea? Obviously, it is a bit of both. But in our modernity – surrounded by big data, cameras, and supercomputers that fit into our pocket – it is easy to see that we tend to favor technology and forget ideas. While at some level it is difficult to imagine "civilization" without basic technologies. From food, water, shelter, security, and reasonable personal autonomy, we do need a foundation of material to distinguish civilization from our more prehistoric...

When good men sit down, bad men stand up. When masculine virtues are ignored, masculine vices reign. When kings are told to go away, tyrants take their place. This is not just a description, but a strategy. This results in a world where a plurality of masculine figures without virtue are in leadership positions in governments, companies, and organizations. This structure is incentivized to forward and repeat the societal talking points whereby masculinity is defined as toxic. This narrative...

https://erochefoucauld.org/story-of-philosophy/ Philosophy is often viewed as a field of isolation, or the literal ivory tower. The word is seen as a big word, a fancy word, used by the elite, arrogant, and out of touch. That’s not what I’m doing here. Philosophy is the story of humanity and the history of ideas, and it’s meant for everyone. This episode is my attempt to answer three basic questions about philosophy. What is Philosophy? • object, and subject – 1:50 • the line, and the...

In this episode: - Narrative vs Reality - Trump impact on global democracy - Strategy rebalancing since 9/11 - NATO policy - EU-China engagement - EU-China trade - Climate Change - Renewable energy development Realpolitik is an independent news and analysis source dedicated to sharing a perspective rarely discussed in the mainstream or other independent outlets. In short, it’s all in the name: realpolitik. The show is decidedly nonpartisan, but is situated firmly on the side of classical,...

Topics include: - Civility & effective dialogue - Trump - Immigration & family separation - Facts vs Truth - Need for humility in media - How to do more than simply point out problems In 2018 almost half the country has expressed very low confidence in Congress, the Newspapers, The White House, and TV news. These low-confidence numbers have been steadily increasing over the past few decades. This is obviously a problem. But asking why this is the case is actually quite simple, and...

Realpolitik is an independent news and analysis source dedicated to sharing a perspective rarely discussed in the mainstream or other independent outlets. In short, it’s all in the name: realpolitik. The show is decidedly nonpartisan, but is situated firmly on the side of classical, liberal, enlightenment values and achievements. The elevation of the realpolitik framework is in the spirit of historian John Bew, who asked: “how can we achieve liberal enlightened goals in a world that does not...

It is said that immature artists copy, and great ones steal. This is an excellent maxim. But who do we steal from? And what do we steal from them? The first part isn't too complicated - steal from those who have won, those who are successful, and those who have made it. Learn from the experts and the champions, not the amateurs and those who have lost. The second part is more complex, what we steal is what is defined as good, but what is good? This episode explores these questions and more,...

Realpolitik is an independent news and analysis source dedicated to sharing a perspective rarely discussed in the mainstream or other independent outlets. In short, it’s all in the name: realpolitik. The show is decidedly nonpartisan, but is situated firmly on the side of classical, liberal, enlightenment values and achievements. The elevation of the realpolitik framework is in the spirit of historian John Bew, who asked: “how can we achieve liberal enlightened goals in a world that does not...

Realpolitik is an independent news and analysis source dedicated to sharing a perspective rarely discussed in the mainstream or other independent outlets. In short, it’s all in the name: realpolitik. The show is decidedly nonpartisan, but is situated firmly on the side of classical, liberal, enlightenment values and achievements. The elevation of the realpolitik framework is in the spirit of historian John Bew, who asked: “how can we achieve liberal enlightened goals in a world that does not...

The Leap of Faith is a very abused and taken advantage of maxim. But yet it is a maxim. It is a truth we experience, in so far as all action is the conclusion of degrees of uncertainty. But therein lies the point: action. Because the leap of faith is not simply a metaphysical concept. It is not under the domain of inspirational memes and imagery. It is at its very core, the leap itself. Thinking serves doing; ideas serve action; God, or Truth, or our highest of desires, is something we...

Build the wall. That was the chant that dominated the 2016 US election. However, shocking as it may seem, this idea was not invented on January 20, 2017; nor is it unique to one country, or one border. From Hungry, to Brazil, to Israel, to South Africa, to Silicon Valley, to the University of Missouri, to Twitter. Fences, walls, segregation, gated communities, economic red lines, ideological safe spaces, and algorithms to keep us safe - all from the dreaded, other. It seems we don't...

Realpolitik is an independent news and analysis source dedicated to sharing a perspective rarely discussed in the mainstream or other independent outlets. In short, it’s all in the name: realpolitik. The show is decidedly nonpartisan, but is situated firmly on the side of classical, liberal, enlightenment values and achievements. The elevation of the realpolitik framework is in the spirit of historian John Bew, who asked: “how can we achieve liberal enlightened goals in a world that does not...

There is a quote often attributed to Plato that says "you can learn more about a person in 1 hour of play, than 1 year of work." There doesn't seem to be any record of Plato saying this. Quote investigator places it as a derivative from some English educator in the 16th century. Ultimately, it's a fake quote. But it doesn't have to be, because it's a good idea. So let's just attribute this quote to all of us. From our experience as children, to our experience in life. We learn more about...

Realpolitik is an independent news and analysis source dedicated to sharing a perspective rarely discussed in the mainstream or other independent outlets. In short, it’s all in the name: realpolitik. The show is decidedly nonpartisan, but is situated firmly on the side of classical, liberal, enlightenment values and achievements. The elevation of the realpolitik framework is in the spirit of historian John Bew, who asked: “how can we achieve liberal enlightened goals in a world that does not...

Philosophy moves slowly. As well it should. And for so much of history this pace was not so much of a problem. But change affects all, philosophical truths and norms included. Today's dialogue will feature Aedrian Shaene. He has worked in the technology and Internet industry from the early days and has been a university lecturer on topics at the intersection of technology, social media, and philosophy. A couple months ago, Aedrian and I began a conversation through twitter which lead us now...

This week I explore the real data and strategic considerations behind the 25% steel and 10% aluminum tariffs the United States placed upon Canada, Mexico, and the EU, on May 31, 2018. Realpolitik is an independent news and analysis source dedicated to sharing a perspective rarely discussed in the mainstream or other independent outlets. In short, it’s all in the name: realpolitik. The show is decidedly nonpartisan, but is situated firmly on the side of classical, liberal, enlightenment...

Realpolitik is an independent news and analysis source dedicated to sharing a perspective rarely discussed in the mainstream or other independent outlets. In short, it’s all in the name: realpolitik. The show is decidedly nonpartisan, but is situated firmly on the side of classical, liberal, enlightenment values and achievements. The elevation of the realpolitik framework is in the spirit of historian John Bew, who asked: “how can we achieve liberal enlightened goals in a world that does not...

As the world becomes wealthier, more connected, more educated, and more metropolitan - we create more trash. And our population is growing, faster than ever. From the American Revolution, to the end of WWI, our world population grew by 1 billion. From the day the World Trade Center Towers fell, to the day Osama Bin Laden was killed, our population grew by the same amount. Every day, we produce more waste than the day before. So what are we going to do? Now I'm an optimist about our future. I...

Realpolitik is an independent news and analysis source dedicated to sharing a perspective rarely discussed in the mainstream or other independent outlets. In short, it’s all in the name: realpolitik. The show is decidedly nonpartisan, but is situated firmly on the side of classical, liberal, enlightenment values and achievements. The elevation of the realpolitik framework is in the spirit of historian John Bew, who asked: “how can we achieve liberal enlightened goals in a world that does not...

How could you vote for ... Blank... ? That is still the question. Whether 'tis nobler to suffer silently while your facebook friends form an online hunting party; or to go full Milo Yiannopoulos, Samantha Bee, Late Night Television, or the President himself, and take arms against an endless sea of straw-men, and by shaming those who disagree with you, grow your social media following and ratings. That... is the past 2 years. With all that in mind I have invited on Sean Morgan to have a...

Realpolitik is an independent news and analysis source dedicated to sharing a perspective rarely discussed in the mainstream or other independent outlets. In short, it’s all in the name: realpolitik. The show is decidedly nonpartisan, but is situated firmly on the side of classical, liberal, enlightenment values and achievements. The elevation of the realpolitik framework is in the spirit of historian John Bew, who asked: “how can we achieve liberal enlightened goals in a world that does not...

A philosophy that can’t be lived is like food that can’t be eaten and a kitchen isn’t a storehouse for food, any more than philosophy is a museum of ideas. A great movie to match this, in both philosophy and food-analogies, is the 2007 film, Ratatouille. This is an excellent film that explores many important themes as well as deep, archetypal representations and philosophies. The film offers an answer to many questions, like how do you live your truth? How do you harness your talent and...

Are we really drifting towards a less free society, and being lead by a generation with so many prominent figures that show disdain for free speech and open inquiry? Has liberalism and conservatism really become hostage to its more extreme and authoritarian factions? To help sort this out, I've invited Dr. Justin Murphy on the Dialogues. Recently, he published an article titled: "Who’s afraid of free speech in the United States?" The article explores American sentiment towards free speech in...