Marc Andreessen, a prominent tech billionaire, co-founder of the venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz, and one of Twitter (X)’s current investors, holds a complex and often controversial set of beliefs and ideologies. But who is Marc Andreessen, really — as in, what does he believe in? What is he using his wealth and power to achieve?
His perspectives are often polarizing, marrying an unyielding faith in the transformative power of technology with a worldview that is dismissive of societal concerns and hostile to traditional democratic values. Here are some of the key aspects of his views:
1. Techno-Optimism and Elitism
Andreessen is a strong advocate for techno-optimism, believing that technological advancements are the key to solving societal problems and driving progress. However, this optimism is often tied to an elitist worldview, where he sees technologists and wealthy entrepreneurs as the primary drivers of societal advancement.
His “Techno-Optimist Manifesto” outlines a vision where technologists are the leaders of society, unencumbered by social responsibility, trust, safety, and ethics — particularly in the realm of AI, which he believes ought to race ahead to whatever end, risks be damned.
2. Critique of Government and Social Structures
Andreessen criticizes the U.S. government for being strangled by special interests and lobbying, yet his firm has engaged in significant lobbying efforts.
He expresses disdain for centralized systems of government, particularly communism, while advocating for technologists to play a central role in planning and governing society.
3. Accelerationism and Right-Wing Influences
Andreessen embraces “effective accelerationism,” a philosophy that champions technological advancement at any cost. This is influenced by thinkers like Nick Land, known for his anti-democratic and anti-egalitarian ideas.
Mind control is a type of “psychological technology” used by con artists, cult leaders, and influence peddlers of all stripes to try and modify human behavior, to twist it to one’s own nefarious and usually opaque ends. Books about cults and how they use forms of mind control to capture victims can help us understand this otherwise inexplicable phenomenon.
Also referred to as undue influence techniques, brainwashing, emotional abuse, or thought reform, mind control is a set of techniques designed to hack in to the brain’s cognitive quirks, biases, and numerous psychobiological “opportunities to circumvent rational and critical thought.”
Cults are a specific structure of social organization formed through the application of mind control. There are at least 2 “layers” and often many interstitial rings that draw members ever closer to a hidden agenda lurking at the center — the true purpose of the organization that most of the footsoldiers know nothing about, because they work for one of the many “friendly PR faces” tacked on to the outside of the group to disguise the malignancy within.
Position himself (and the group — his extension) as the only safe haven to turn to when afraid: “I alone can fix it!”
Isolate followers from other sources of information — i.e. keep them in the Fox News/OANN/Newsmax ecosystem
Arouse fear in the follower — invent invisible boogeymen everywhere! Huge caravans at the border that mysteriously disappear after elections! Evil liberals trying to do their jobs in schools and educate our youth about our history! INFLATION looms as a large spectre every time the left manages to eke out a few pennies from the cold unfeeling hands of the aristocrats!
Rinse; repeat. Stoking fear is “EZ Mode” — it means one of the parties in our two-party system can “de facto secede” from governance by just sitting on the sidelines and heckling all day, waiting for the problems and frustration to boil over so they can harness the abject anger of poor manipulated people into political weaponry, to break their lives on the wheels of history carelessly and for no higher purpose than personal greed and addiction to power, wealth, and status.
Books about cults
In the shadowy corners of society, cults have long thrived, weaving their intricate webs of influence, control, and mystique. From charismatic leaders to the vulnerable souls they ensnare, the study of cults offers a chilling glimpse into the extremes of human behavior. As we navigate an era where misinformation and manipulation are more pervasive than ever, understanding the mechanisms that drive these insular communities is not just fascinating—it’s increasingly essential. The following list of books delves into the psychology, history, and dark allure of cults, providing critical insights into the forces that can both unite and destroy.
The social network formerly known as Twitter, now known as X, has been through some things — including a rocky change of ownership 2 years ago. At the time, the person who owns Twitter on paper was known to be tech billionaire and then-world’s richest man Elon Musk — but it was not fully known who was included in the full shadowy list of Twitter investors.
Thanks apparently to some terrible lawyering, the full list of Twitter investors via parent company X Corp has been unsealed during discovery for a legal case against Musk relating to non-payment of severance for employees he laid off after buying the company. In addition to the known in 2022 list below, we can now augment the Twitter investors list with more detail:
Joe Lonsdale — cofounder of Palantir with shadowy tech billionaire Peter Thiel, the primary financial backer of Trump’s VP pick JD Vance
Saudi Prince Alwaleed bin Talal
Jack Dorsey — one of the original founders of Twitter
Larry Ellison
Ross Gerber
Doug Leone
Michael Moritz
Changpeng Zhao
Security analyst and intelligence professional Eric Garland notes that beyond the notable billionaires on the list, the investor sheet can be largely read as “fronts for the dictatorships of Russia, China, Saudi Arabia, and others.” Tech pioneer turned investigative journalist Dave Troy’s take on the Twitter investor list reveal is that it shows “this platform is an instrument of information warfare.”
BREAKING: The full list of investors in X Corp has been unsealed. See them for yourselves. Some investors Include ownership stakes from Saudi Arabia and a slew of VC funds. pic.twitter.com/HIhLYxqBIJ
This is one of those stats that’s sure to be both repeated and disbelieved, courtesy of Bill Clinton’s speech at the phenomenal DNC 2024 last night: since the end of the Cold War in 1989, the cumulative tally of job creation between the two parties is not even close: 50 to 1. Out of the 51 million jobs that have been created since then, about 50 million of them can be attributed to Democrats (under Clinton, Obama, and Biden who account for 97.4% of the total), and only 1 million to Republicans.
That is a pretty stark objective review of right-wing economic ideology. Which is billed, by the way, as “job creating” policy. Trickle down economics, supply side, Reaganomics, libertarian theory, Mudsill Theory — by whatever name you call it, the policy of giving massive tax cuts to the rich while cutting spending on the middle class is supposed to magically create great prosperity for all. Instead, the numbers show the exact opposite — prosperity is not trickling down. It is in fact being hoovered up.
Since 1989, the U.S. economy has created 50 million jobs. What's the score?
I hope to write more about the overall amazing, vibrant, and joyful atmosphere of the DNC this year — delivering not just the strongest support for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz possible, but bringing back the sense of hope and optimism from the Obama years in the most refreshing and much-needed way. But for now I’ll just say that the Democrats are driving home this economic message that has already been wildly successful under Joe Biden: when we invest in the middle class, the economy truly does grow for everybody.
When the middle class is strong, America is strong. It’s a lesson we learned in the post-war era of the 1950s but have drifted away from since the 1970s when corporate leaders and big business interests mounted a concerted effort to turn the tide against the New Deal value system that lifted us out of the Great Depression and the economic policy that ushered in that broad distribution of wealth in the U.S.
It feels like the fever is finally breaking. The decades of epic gaslighting fomented by the merchants of doubt may have reached the peak disinformation tolerance of the American people. Here’s hoping the real economic stories will now get told — and that Americans will go to the polls this November and cast their ballots accordingly.
I was lucky enough to be one of the first professional tech bloggers, still work in digital media, and avidly keep up with the technology sector. Back in the proverbial day I covered the rise of social media from the launches and earliest days of Facebook (aka Meta), Twitter (aka X), YouTube, and a host of graveyard denizens from Friendster to MySpace. I lived and worked in Silicon Valley for a time and became disillusioned with much of the ideology while remaining avidly interested in the pockets still driven by the idea of democratizing access to information. Now I love tinkering with tools (especially AI, automation, and data analysis) as well as writing personal and experimental stuff on my blog(s).
I’ve also been a political activist since my college years, and especially since 2015 have been pretty intensely into politics — which, among many other things, has led to an ongoing protracted “re-factoring” of what I thought I knew about American history.
An academic by temperament, I research various topics at depth as a “serious amateur.” For the past 9+ years I’ve been studying fascism, authoritarianism, narcissism, cults, disinformation, conspiracy theories, dark money, and Christian nationalism and their tributaries — many of which share intersection points. My love of information management keeps me juggling multiple projects and exploring the connections between topics worth taking a closer look at; I’m an incorrigible generalist in a specialists’ world, while craving meaningful depth into each subject.
Inspiration
I am motivated by some of the old school values of the internet — towards openness, democratization of information, shining light into dark spaces, giving a voice to the people beyond the gatekeepers of major media, and more. It’s lost a fair amount of that spirit now in the corporate scrum to own its vast landscapes, but it can still be found here and there — and I hope to offer another little output on the stormy seas for those who wander and wish to not feel lost.
Ethics
I don’t take any sponsorship money for the site, because I’m not interested in tailoring my point of view towards whatever maximizes profit. In part because commerce content is my day job, I do monetize (for a whopping trivial amount) through affiliate links to books — the kind of “product” I can get behind recommending strongly to people. It also helps me understand what my audience is most interested in, and allows me to track what people find compelling enough to take action on. If you click on my book links and end up ordering something from Amazon, it helps me understand how better to interest and serve this audience. So please feel free to do so, but not obligated.
If we want to know what’s going on today, we need to understand what happened yesterday. This list will give us just a start:
The Federalist Papers — A collection of 85 articles and essays written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay promoting the ratification of the United States Constitution, offering insight into the ideologies that shaped the foundation of American governance.
A People’s History of the United States (Howard Zinn) — An alternative take on American history from the perspective of ordinary people rather than political leaders, focusing on the struggles of workers, women, African Americans, and the indigenous populations.
The Rise and Fall of American Growth (Robert J. Gordon) — An in-depth analysis by economist Robert J. Gordon, which argues that the rapid economic growth experienced by the United States from 1870 to 1970 was a unique period unlikely to be repeated, highlighting how innovation affected living standards.
Black Reconstruction in America (W. E. B. DuBois) — This seminal work challenges the prevailing narrative of the Reconstruction era, arguing that African Americans were active agents in the fight for their rights and the rebuilding of the South following the Civil War.
Fraud of the Century (Jr. Roy Morris) — A detailed account of the 1876 U.S. presidential election between Rutherford B. Hayes and Samuel J. Tilden, focusing on the controversial electoral practices and compromises that ultimately led to Hayes’s presidency.
The Second Coming of the KKK (Linda Gordon) — A historical exploration of the Ku Klux Klan’s resurgence in the early 20th century, detailing how it expanded beyond the South, influencing national politics and American society.
The Robber Barons (Matthew Josephson) — This book provides a critical look at the late 19th-century industrialists and financiers known as the Robber Barons, examining their business practices, wealth accumulation, and impacts on American society and economy.
Thieves of State: Why Corruption Threatens Global Security (Sarah Chayes) — Chayes’ book argues that systemic corruption in government and public institutions is a critical driver of global instability, fueling extremism and conflict. Chayes explores how corrupt practices undermine governance and security, leading to widespread disillusionment and violence.
Plutocracy in America: How Increasing Inequality Destroys the Middle Class and Exploits the Poor (Ronald P. Formisano) — This book examines how growing economic inequality in the United States concentrates wealth and power among a small elite, eroding democracy and undermining the middle class. Formisano argues that this increasing plutocracy exploits the poor and threatens the nation’s social and political stability.
The Lonely Crowd: A Study of the Changing American Character(David Riesman) — This sociological classic explores how shifts in American society have led individuals to become more other-directed, driven by peer approval rather than internal values, reshaping the national character.
Present Shock: When Everything Happens Now (Douglas Rushkoff) — Rushkoff examines how the digital age’s constant immediacy disrupts our sense of time, leading to anxiety, distraction, and a collapse of long-term thinking in modern culture.
Too Big To Know (David Weinberger) — Weinberger explores how the vast, decentralized nature of knowledge in the digital age is transforming expertise, showing that traditional gatekeepers of knowledge are being replaced by more dynamic, networked ways of understanding.
Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents (Isabel Wilkerson) — Explores the unspoken social hierarchy in America, comparing it to the caste systems in India and Nazi Germany. Wilkerson argues that this deeply ingrained caste system shapes every aspect of American life, perpetuating racial inequality and injustice.
Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America (Ibram X. Kendi) — The book traces the origins and evolution of racist ideas throughout American history. Kendi argues that these ideas were deliberately crafted to justify and maintain racial inequality, shaping policies and social norms that continue to impact the nation today.
And the Band Played on: Politics, People, and the AIDS Epidemic (Randy Shilts) — Chronicles the early years of the AIDS epidemic, highlighting how political indifference, prejudice, and bureaucratic failures allowed the disease to spread unchecked. Shilts argues that these systemic failures contributed to the unnecessary loss of thousands of lives and shaped the public health response to the crisis.
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Grandiosity is a psychological term used to describe a pattern of behavior characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance, a preoccupation with one’s achievements and abilities, and a need for admiration and attention from others. Grandiosity can manifest in a range of behaviors, including boastfulness, arrogance, entitlement, and an exaggerated sense of one’s own abilities and accomplishments.
People who exhibit grandiosity often have a huge ego — and an exaggerated sense of their own importance and abilities. They may believe that they are unique, superior, or special, and that others should recognize and acknowledge their exceptional qualities. This can lead to a sense of entitlement, as individuals with grandiosity may feel that they deserve special treatment, privileges, or attention. They may become upset or angry when they feel that their needs are not being met or that they are not receiving the recognition they feel they deserve.
Grandiosity traits
Grandiosity can also manifest in a tendency to exaggerate or embellish one’s accomplishments and abilities — or even to outright lie about them, or completely fabricate them. People with grandiosity traits may feel the need to constantly promote themselves and their achievements, and may be inclined to brag or boast about their successes. They may also be prone to exaggerating their abilities, skills, or knowledge, and may present themselves as experts in areas where they have limited experience or actual understanding.
In addition to an inflated sense of self-importance, grandiosity is often accompanied by a need for admiration and attention from others. Individuals with grandiosity may crave recognition, praise, and validation from others, and may go to great lengths to gain (and keep) attention and admiration. They may be drawn to positions of power or influence, where they can exert their control and influence over others. However, they may also become resentful or angry if they feel that they are not receiving the level of attention or recognition they believe they deserve.
Grandiosity traits list
If you observe one or more of these traits in someone you know or encounter, be wary — and on the lookout for additional grandiose qualities:
Exaggerated sense of self-importance: Believing oneself to be more important or valuable than others without evidence to support this belief.
Need for excessive admiration: Constantly seeking praise and validation from others, often to reinforce an inflated self-image.
Preoccupation with fantasies of unlimited success, power, or brilliance: Frequently imagining oneself achieving extraordinary levels of success or influence that are unrealistic.
Belief in being unique or special: Thinking that one can only be understood by, or should associate with, other high-status people or institutions.
Sense of entitlement: Expecting favorable treatment or automatic compliance with one’s expectations, regardless of circumstances.
Exploitativeness: Taking advantage of others to achieve personal goals, often without regard for their well-being.
Lack of empathy: Having little to no ability to recognize or consider the feelings and needs of others.
Arrogant or haughty behaviors: Displaying a superior attitude and acting disdainfully or condescendingly toward others.
Overestimation of abilities or achievements: Believing one’s skills or accomplishments are far greater than they actually are, often boasting about them.
Dismissal or devaluation of others: Minimizing or disregarding the contributions or worth of others, particularly if they threaten one’s self-image.
The downsides of grandiosity
Grandiosity can have a range of negative consequences for individuals who exhibit this behavior. People with grandiosity may have difficulty forming meaningful relationships with others, as they may be more focused on promoting themselves and seeking attention than on building genuine connections with others. They may have little empathy for others, which can make their friendships and attachments very one-sided, with too much time and focus directed toward the grandiose person and too little time for the other person(s).
They may also have a tendency to overestimate their abilities, which can lead to poor decision-making and mistakes. In some cases, grandiosity can lead to reckless or dangerous behavior, as individuals may take risks or engage in behavior that is outside of their abilities or experience. Their supreme overconfidence can lead them into risky activities, and they may lead others into danger as well.
What causes grandiosity?
There are a range of factors that can contribute to the development of grandiosity. Some individuals may have lived through early childhood experiences that led them to believe they were exceptional or entitled, while others may have a personality type that is prone to grandiosity. In some cases, grandiosity may be a symptom of an underlying mental health condition, such as narcissistic personality disorder, bipolar disorder, or other personality disorder. Grandiosity can also operate at the group level, with collective narcissism driving the inflated self-importance and sense of entitlement for a particular organization or class of people.
Treatment for grandiosity typically involves therapy and counseling to help individuals understand and manage their behavior. This may include cognitive-behavioral therapy, which can help individuals identify and challenge their negative thought patterns and beliefs, and develop healthier ways of thinking and behaving. Additionally, medication may be prescribed to treat underlying mental health conditions that may be contributing to grandiosity. With appropriate treatment and support, individuals with grandiosity can learn to manage their behavior and develop more positive and fulfilling relationships with others — on the other hand, it is generally quite rare for a grandiose person to even seek help and treatment in the first place, largely due to their own overconfidence and conviction that they do not require any professional assistance.
Grandiosity examples
Here are a few more specific examples of grandiosity in action, to illustrate the concept with potentially familiar experiences:
Delusional Beliefs of Superiority: A person might genuinely believe they are destined to be a world leader or have a unique, unparalleled talent that will change the course of history, despite having no evidence or achievements to support this belief.
Exaggerated Achievements: Someone may boast about their accomplishments in a way that significantly overstates their actual contributions or success, such as claiming they single-handedly saved a company from bankruptcy when their role was minor.
Unrealistic Expectations of Recognition: A person might expect to receive praise, admiration, or special treatment wherever they go, believing they are far more deserving of it than others, even in situations where their contributions are minimal.
Overestimation of Influence: An individual might believe they have the power to control or influence outcomes on a grand scale, such as thinking they can sway public opinion or manipulate significant events through sheer will or charisma.
Dismissal of Others: A person might dismiss the abilities or contributions of others as insignificant compared to their own, often underestimating the talents and efforts of peers while placing themselves on a much higher pedestal.
Narcissists think of themselves as special; chosen; beyond the fray — rules do not generally apply to them, but oh do they ever to you. They tend to see the world in black and white terms, as a Manichaean struggle of hierarchy vs. fairness, with strict social status to abide by and perpetuate — a world of dominance and submission, with themselves at the top. This narcissism books list will arm you with the most important information you need to know about dealing with this infuriating type of personality disorder.
The higher on the Cluster B scale you go (with psychopathy at the top of the ruthless scale), the less empathy these fundamentally narcissistic individuals possess. Without empathy, there is no basis for forming a conscience. One could say the classic defining hallmark of this group of personality disorders is that the people exhibiting narcissism have little to no conscience.
Part of the dark triad along with psychopathy and Machiavellianism, narcissism is characterized by manipulative behavior towards others and a malevolent, often exploitational approach to interpersonal relationships. There are many aspects to narcissism, and the following book assortment covers a wide range of core and intersecting topics.
The Good Daughter Syndrome: Help For Empathic Daughters of Narcissistic, Borderline, or Difficult Mothers Trapped in the Role of the Good Daughter — Katherine Fabrizio
Political Ponerology: A Science on the Nature of Evil Adjusted for Political Purposes — Andrew M. Lobaczewski
You could say that narcissists are those who never manage to find enough escape velocity to get outside themselves. They stay stuck forever in an infantile loop of getting what they want, using people along the way to achieve their goals. Narcissists think transactionally, and are always seeking to maximize benefit to themselves, at the expense of others if necessary or possible.
Their world is a zero-sum game where every interaction is a potential transaction to be exploited. Empathy is a foreign concept, often feigned but never felt, as genuine concern for others would undermine their self-centered agenda. Narcissists operate with a relentless focus on self-preservation and self-advancement, their actions governed by an insatiable need for validation. This leads them to view relationships not as mutual partnerships, but as opportunities to extract value—be it in the form of admiration, status, or resources. The people around them become mere tools, reduced to their utility in satisfying the narcissist’s desires.
In half a decade we’ve gone from Jeb Bush making a serious run for president to Marjorie Taylor Greene running unopposed and winning a House seat in Georgia. QAnon came seemingly out of nowhere, but taps into a much deeper and older series of conspiracy theories that have surfaced, resurfaced, and been remixed throughout time.
Why do people believe in conspiracy theories? In an increasingly complex world of information bombarding us as blinding speed and high volume, the cognitive appeal of easy answers and turnkey “community” may be much stronger than ever before.
List of conspiracy theory books
It’s a deep topic so we’d best get started. If you’ve got an urgent issue with a friend or loved one, start here:
Richard Hofstadter’s Anti-Intellectualism in American Life is a sharp exploration of the recurring tension between intellectualism and populism in the United States. Hofstadter traces the roots of American anti-intellectualism, revealing how a distrust of intellectual elites has been woven into the fabric of American culture, often tied to religious fervor, educational systems, and political movements. He argues that this skepticism towards intellectuals has influenced public policy and shaped national identity, creating a persistent undercurrent that challenges the value of critical thinking and expertise in the public sphere. Through historical analysis, Hofstadter illuminates how this strain of thought has impacted American democracy, often in ways that prioritize emotional appeal over reasoned discourse.
Kurt Andersen’s Fantasyland: How America Went Haywire: A 500-Year History offers a sweeping narrative that traces America’s propensity for embracing fantastical thinking from the earliest settlers to the present day. Andersen argues that the American tendency to blur the lines between reality and fantasy has deep historical roots, driven by a unique blend of religious zeal, entrepreneurial spirit, and cultural escapism. He explores how this inclination has shaped everything from politics to entertainment, resulting in a culture where conspiracy theories, pseudoscience, and magical thinking thrive. Through sharp analysis and a broad historical lens, Andersen paints a vivid picture of how America’s love affair with fantasy has led to the current era of “alternative facts” and widespread distrust of objective truth.
Lee McIntyre’s On Disinformation: How to Fight for Truth and Protect Democracy is a concise yet powerful examination of the threat disinformation poses to truth and democratic values. McIntyre explores the origins and tactics of disinformation campaigns, revealing how they exploit cognitive biases and social media to sow confusion and distrust. He emphasizes that disinformation is not just a byproduct of misinformation but a deliberate weapon used to undermine public discourse and erode the foundations of democracy. The book provides a call to action, urging individuals and institutions to become vigilant defenders of truth through critical thinking, media literacy, and active resistance against the forces of disinformation. With a clear-eyed approach, McIntyre offers practical strategies for combating this growing menace in a time when truth itself is under siege.
Mia Bloom and Sophia Moskalenko’s Pastels and Pedophiles: Inside the Mind of QAnon delves into the disturbing world of QAnon, unraveling the psychological and social dynamics that fuel its growth. The authors explore how this conspiracy theory, with its bizarre blend of pastel aesthetics and lurid allegations of pedophilia, has captivated a diverse array of followers. Bloom and Moskalenko dissect the movement’s appeal, showing how it taps into deep-seated fears, identity politics, and a longing for community in a time of uncertainty. They reveal the real-world consequences of QAnon’s spread, from fractured families to violent extremism, and highlight the challenges of deprogramming those ensnared by its false narratives. Through rigorous analysis and empathetic insight, the book offers a critical look at how conspiracy theories like QAnon thrive in a polarized society and the urgent need to address their dangerous influence.
Anna Merlan’s Republic of Lies: American Conspiracy Theorists and Their Surprising Rise to Power is an incisive exploration of the burgeoning influence of conspiracy theories in American life. Merlan takes readers on a journey through the diverse and often troubling world of conspiracy believers, from UFO enthusiasts to anti-vaxxers, exposing the cultural and political forces that have propelled these fringe ideas into the mainstream. She delves into how conspiracy theories have gained traction across the political spectrum, fueled by distrust in institutions and amplified by the internet’s echo chambers. With a keen eye for detail and a compassionate approach, Merlan uncovers the real-world impact of these theories, from shaping political movements to influencing national discourse. The book serves as a wake-up call to the power of misinformation and the urgent need to understand and counter the spread of dangerous ideologies in an increasingly fractured society.
Rob Brotherton’s Suspicious Minds: Why We Believe Conspiracy Theories delves into the psychology behind why conspiracy theories are so compelling and why they persist in human societies. Brotherton examines the cognitive biases and psychological tendencies that make us prone to seeing patterns, connecting dots, and doubting official narratives, even when evidence is lacking. He explores the historical and cultural contexts that have given rise to various conspiracy theories, showing how they tap into deep-seated fears and uncertainties. By blending psychology with history, Brotherton provides a nuanced understanding of why conspiracy theories are not just fringe beliefs but a fundamental part of human thinking. The book challenges readers to recognize their own susceptibility to conspiratorial thinking and emphasizes the importance of critical thinking in a world where misinformation can easily take root.
Gustave Le Bon’s The Crowd: A Study of the Popular Mind is a pioneering work in social psychology that examines the behavior of crowds and the psychological mechanisms that drive collective action. Le Bon argues that individuals, when part of a crowd, lose their sense of individual responsibility and rationality, becoming susceptible to emotional contagion and impulsive behavior. He explores how crowds can be swayed by charismatic leaders, simplistic ideas, and the power of suggestion, often leading to irrational and sometimes destructive outcomes. Le Bon’s analysis extends to the ways in which crowds influence politics, culture, and social movements, offering insights into the dynamics of mass psychology that remain relevant today. His work lays the foundation for understanding how public opinion can be manipulated and how groupthink can override reason, making it a fascinating text for anyone interested in the psychology of collective behavior.
Eric Hoffer’s The True Believer: Thoughts on the Nature of Mass Movements is a profound exploration of the psychological and social forces that drive individuals to join and commit to mass movements. Hoffer examines the appeal of these movements to the “true believer,” a person often disillusioned with their current life and seeking purpose through collective identity. He argues that mass movements, whether religious, political, or social, provide a sense of belonging and certainty by offering simple, absolute answers to complex problems. Hoffer delves into the dynamics of fanaticism, showing how movements attract followers who are willing to sacrifice their individuality for the cause. His insights into the motivations behind mass movements remain strikingly relevant, shedding light on how charismatic leaders and unifying ideologies can mobilize people, often with profound and sometimes dangerous consequences. The book serves as a timeless analysis of the psychological underpinnings of social movements and the power they wield over the human psyche.
Jeff Sharlet’s The Undertow: Scenes from a Slow Civil War is a haunting and evocative exploration of the deepening political and cultural divides in contemporary America. Through a series of vivid, immersive narratives, Sharlet captures the voices and lives of people across the country who are caught up in the rising tide of polarization, extremism, and unrest. He paints a picture of a nation at a tipping point, where the fractures in society are widening, and the specter of a “slow civil war” looms ever larger. With his keen eye for detail and empathetic storytelling, Sharlet reveals how fear, anger, and a longing for belonging are driving forces behind the growing tensions, offering a powerful and unsettling portrait of a country on the brink.
Jesse Walker’s The United States of Paranoia: A Conspiracy Theory offers a comprehensive and insightful history of conspiracy theories in American culture, showing how they have been a persistent and influential force throughout the nation’s history. Walker categorizes these theories into five archetypes—enemy outside, enemy within, enemy above, enemy below, and the benevolent conspiracy—illustrating how each has manifested in different eras and contexts. He argues that conspiracy thinking is not just a fringe phenomenon but a fundamental part of American political and social life, shaping public discourse and policy. By tracing the evolution of conspiracies from the colonial period to the present, Walker reveals how they reflect deeper anxieties and cultural tensions, often serving as a means for people to make sense of complex and unsettling realities. The book underscores the idea that paranoia is woven into the fabric of American identity, influencing how people perceive power, trust, and truth.
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In an age where history is often twisted into a pretzel to fit the political narrative du jour, Heather Cox Richardson stands out as a truth-teller. She’s not just another academic tucked away in an ivory tower; she’s a historian with her boots on the ground (often literally, as she travels the country speaking about what she sees), dissecting the American past with surgical precision and connecting it directly to the chaos we’re living through today. Heather Cox Richardson books are like tours through the deep history behind the seemingly recent developments in US politics.
Richardson isn’t content to let history gather dust in old textbooks. No, she’s dragging it kicking and screaming into the present, showing us that the battles we’re fighting now—over democracy, race, and who gets to call the shots—are just the latest skirmishes in a war that’s been raging since the country’s inception. She doesn’t just recount the past; she wields it like a spotlight, illuminating the dark corners of our current political mess.
Her “Letters from an American” newsletter has become a lifeline for many who feel lost in the swamp of today’s political discourse. With each entry, she lays out the facts, cutting through the noise and reminding us that the problems we face aren’t new—they’re the bitter fruit of seeds planted long ago. But Richardson isn’t just about doom and gloom. She’s also about hope, about understanding the past so we can navigate our way out of the storm.
Why does her work matter so much right now? Because as we teeter on the edge of what sometimes feels like the unraveling of our democracy, Richardson offers us a lifeline: context. She shows us that the currents pulling us under have been swirling for centuries and that understanding them is the first step to changing the tide.
Richardson’s books are more than just historical accounts; they’re roadmaps that guide us through the muck of the present by showing us where we’ve been. Whether she’s unpacking the economic machinations of the Civil War, tracing the GOP’s evolution from Lincoln’s party to today’s fractured entity, or exposing how Southern oligarchy seeped into the national bloodstream, she’s always making one thing clear: history is not a straight line. It’s a loop, and if we’re not careful, we’ll find ourselves back where we started.
In a time when facts are up for debate and democracy is under siege, Heather Cox Richardson’s voice is not just important—it’s essential. She’s not just telling us what happened; she’s showing us what’s at stake. I look forward to immersing myself in the first three, but I’ve read the last 3 and wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone seeking to understand this current political moment and what’s at stake.
Summary: The book examines how the Republican Party’s economic policies during the Civil War shaped the United States’ economy and political landscape. Richardson argues that these policies, including the establishment of a national banking system and the introduction of a national currency, laid the groundwork for the modern American economy and solidified the Republicans’ control over the national government.
Summary: Richardson explores the Northern perspective on the Reconstruction era, focusing on how Northern attitudes toward race, labor, and politics contributed to the failure of Reconstruction. She argues that the North’s retreat from Reconstruction was driven by concerns about class and labor rather than race alone, leading to the abandonment of African Americans in the South.
Summary: This book extends the traditional narrative of Reconstruction beyond the South, exploring how the Civil War and its aftermath reshaped the entire nation. Richardson connects the experiences of people across the country, showing how the Reconstruction era led to the creation of a new American identity and a modern national government.
Summary: Richardson provides a comprehensive history of the Republican Party from its founding in the 1850s through the early 21st century. She traces the party’s evolution from a force for emancipation and national unity to its modern incarnation, examining the ideological shifts and internal conflicts that have shaped its trajectory.
Summary: In this book, Richardson argues that although the South lost the Civil War militarily, its ideology of oligarchy and white supremacy continued to shape American politics and society. She traces the spread of this Lost Cause ideology from the post-war South to the West and its eventual influence on national politics, culminating in the rise of modern conservative movements.
Summary: Richardson reflects on the current state of American democracy, drawing on her expertise in history and her popular “Letters from an American” newsletter. She examines the challenges facing the country in the era of Trumpism, including political polarization, disinformation and misinformation, conspiracy theories, and the erosion of democratic norms, while also offering hope and a path forward based on historical lessons.
Kamala Harris is poised to break that glass ceiling that Hillary Clinton cracked and I am so here for it. She was my Senator when I lived in California and I appreciated her energy back then — and I would be thrilled for her service as the first woman president.
And I’m by no means the only one — from White Dudes for Harris to Republicans for Harris to Mormons for Harris, to Democratic groups up and down the spectrum, there is renewed energy in this election and momentum has been building even since Biden’s decision to step down from the race.
The selection of Tim Walz as her running mate adds yet another layer of awesomeness — with his folksy small town dad appeal, military service, midwestern charm, and zingy comebacks and catchy takedowns of Trump and Vance as “weird,” he seems to be bringing a hefty punching up vibe to the campaign.
Meanwhile, all the Orange Man and emo beardo seem able to do is sling racist and sexist insults at Kamala, or attempt a cheap knockoff of the swiftboating of John Kerry with Walz’s military service that’s been swiftly and resoundingly debunked. People aren’t falling for it.
Imagine if the momentum carries us all the way to a blue wave, and a Democratic Congress… we could perhaps have nice things! Time to put shoulders to the wheel. Give whatever time and money you can, if you can.
Christian nationalism, a belief system that intertwines national identity with Christian faith, has been a significant force in American history — and the Christian nationalism timeline may go back further than you think. It erroneously asserts that the United States is fundamentally a Christian nation and should be governed by biblical principles.
This flawed ideology has influenced various aspects of American life, from politics to education, and continues to shape the discourse around national identity and public policy. Understanding the evolution of Christian nationalism provides critical insights into its current manifestations and implications for the future.
In recent years, the resurgence of Christian nationalism has become more visible and influential in American politics. The events of January 6, 2021, and the Big Lie rhetoric surrounding the 2020 presidential election highlighted the power and reach of this movement. With key figures like Russell Vought and organizations like Project 2025 advocating for policies that align with their interpretation of Christian values, it is essential to examine the timeline of Christian nationalism to grasp its roots, growth, and contemporary relevance.
Vote them out, while we still can
Then, get to the polls and take everyone you know with you. Do not allow the right-wing to establish a theocracy in this country — no matter what your faith (or lack thereof), we have common interest in preventing any one faith from informing the US government.
Just because they say the words “Christian nation” does not alter the actual history in which the founders were deists who were adamant about keeping the political and religious spheres separate — having seen the ills it can cause to entwine them. Is America a Christian nation? No. We rejected the divine right of kings, very consciously and loudly so at the time. It is easy to pick up this sentiment in the writings of the founders both inside and outside of the founding documents.
Christian nationalism timeline
1607 — The Jamestown Colony is established in Virginia. Early settlers bring a mix of Christian beliefs that will influence American culture.
1620 — The Pilgrims arrive on the Mayflower, establishing the Plymouth Colony. They seek religious freedom after being persecuted for their lack of conformity to the Anglican church in England, and establish a community based on their Puritan beliefs.
1630 — John Winthrop delivers his sermon “A Model of Christian Charity,” articulating the vision of America as a “city upon a hill,” influencing the concept of a Christian nation.
1730-1740s — The First Great Awakening, a series of religious revivals, sweeps through the American colonies, strengthening evangelicalism.
1776 — The Declaration of Independence is signed. The Founding Fathers, while influenced primarily by Enlightenment ideas, also incorporate some Christian principles.
The Christian nationalist movement has been coalescing itself over the past 50 years (and more), partly in the shadows and partly very publicly through scandals and political strife. This list of Christian nationalism books aims to cover both ends of the spectrum.
Christian nationalism overlaps and shares some common cause with the white nationalism movement and nationalism ideologies more broadly in the US.
Here are some of the best resources I’ve found to navigate the zealous yet fragile world of Christian nationalism, so far:
The Power Worshippers: Inside the Dangerous Rise of Religious Nationalism by Katherine Stewart is a comprehensive examination of the growing influence of Christian nationalism in US politics. Stewart delves into the movement’s origins, tracing its development from fringe ideology to a dominant force shaping contemporary policy and societal norms. She uncovers the network of religious leaders, political operatives, and plutocratic donors who are driving this agenda, revealing their strategies to mobilize voters, influence legislation, and reshape the American legal system. Through meticulous research and vivid storytelling, Stewart exposes the ways in which this movement seeks to undermine the separation of church and state, imposing a specific religious worldview on a diverse populace accustomed to enjoying their freedom of religion.
In the book, Stewart highlights how Christian nationalism is not merely a cultural phenomenon but a deliberate, coordinated, and concentrated political effort. She provides detailed accounts of how the movement capitalizes on issues such as abortion, LGBTQ rights, and religious liberty to galvanize support and exert pressure on political leaders. Stewart argues that this agenda poses a significant threat to democratic values and pluralism, advocating for vigilant resistance to protect the integrity of the nation’s secular institutions. By intertwining personal narratives with in-depth analysis, “The Power Worshippers” offers a critical look at the implications of religious nationalism for the future of American democracy.
Unholy: How White Christian Nationalists Powered the Trump Presidency, and the Devastating Legacy They Left Behind by Sarah Posner is an incisive exploration of the alliance between white Christian nationalists and Donald Trump. Posner meticulously documents how this group, driven by a fervent belief in their self-declared divine mandate, played a pivotal role in Trump’s election and subsequent administration. She explores the historical roots of this movement, its theological underpinnings, and the powerful figures who have shaped its direction. Through extensive interviews and detailed reporting, Posner reveals how white Christian nationalists leveraged their significant influence to advance a political agenda that aligns with their religious convictions, often at the expense of democratic norms and minority rights.
Posner’s book delves into the complex relationship between Trump and his evangelical supporters, showing how their mutual needs and ambitions created a symbiotic bond. She illustrates how this unhealthy alliance has led to policies and judicial appointments that reflect the priorities of white Christian nationalists, such as restrictions on reproductive rights, opposition to LGBTQ equality, and the dismantling of church-state separation. “Unholy” also examines the broader cultural impact of this movement, highlighting the ways it has contributed to the polarization and division within American society. Through a blend of investigative journalism and sharp analysis, Posner provides a compelling narrative about the enduring and troubling legacy of this powerful political alliance.
The Immoral Majority: Why Evangelicals Chose Political Power Over Christian Values by Ben Howe is a critical examination of the evangelical support for Donald Trump and the apparent contradiction between their political choices and their professed Christian values. Howe, an evangelical himself, delves into the reasons why a significant portion of the evangelical community embraced a candidate whose behavior and rhetoric often starkly contrasted with traditional Christian teachings. Through personal anecdotes, interviews, and keen analysis, Howe explores how the pursuit of political power and cultural influence led many evangelicals to compromise on key moral and ethical principles.
In the book, Howe argues that the evangelical community’s alignment with Trump reveals a broader shift within American Christianity, where political expediency has overshadowed the core tenets of the faith. He critically examines how issues such as abortion, religious liberty, and conservative judicial appointments were used to justify unwavering support for Trump, despite his moral failings. Howe also addresses the long-term consequences of this alliance, suggesting that the evangelical movement’s credibility and moral authority have been significantly undermined. “The Immoral Majority” offers a thought-provoking reflection on the intersection of faith and politics, challenging readers to consider the true cost of prioritizing political power over spiritual integrity.
White Evangelical Racism: The Politics of Morality in America by Anthea Butler is a compelling exploration of the historical and contemporary intersections between white evangelicalism and racism in the United States. Butler meticulously traces the roots of evangelical racism back to the 19th century, highlighting how racial prejudice and discriminatory practices were often justified through religious rhetoric and beliefs. She examines the ways in which white evangelicals have historically supported segregation, opposed civil rights, and upheld systems of racial inequality, all while professing a commitment to Christian morality.
Butler’s book also delves into the modern political landscape, showing how white evangelical racism has influenced contemporary politics, particularly in the support for Donald Trump. She argues that white evangelicals have frequently prioritized their racial and cultural interests over the inclusive values they claim to uphold. Through a blend of historical analysis and modern political critique, Butler demonstrates how racism has been an enduring element of white evangelical identity and political engagement. “White Evangelical Racism” challenges readers to confront the moral contradictions within the evangelical movement and consider the broader implications for American society and politics.
White Too Long: The Legacy of White Supremacy in American Christianity by Robert P. Jones is a profound examination of the deep-seated connections between white supremacy and American Christianity. Jones, a religious scholar and CEO of the Public Religion Research Institute, utilizes historical research, sociological data, and personal reflections to trace the ways in which white Christian churches have perpetuated racial inequality and supported systems of oppression. He argues that white supremacy is not just a historical aberration but a defining characteristic of American Christianity that has shaped its institutions, doctrines, and practices.
In the book, Jones explores how white Christian communities have often resisted racial integration and civil rights, aligning themselves with ideologies that uphold racial hierarchies. He provides a detailed account of how these communities have used theology to justify segregation, discrimination, and violence against people of color. Jones also addresses the contemporary implications of this legacy, urging white Christians to confront and repent for their complicity in racism. By blending personal narrative with rigorous scholarship, “White Too Long” challenges readers to acknowledge the pervasive influence of white supremacy within American Christianity and to seek genuine reconciliation and justice.
Wrapped in the Flag: A Personal History of America’s Radical Right by Claire Conner is a poignant memoir that delves into the rise and influence of the radical right in American politics, with a particular emphasis on its hardline Christian stance. Claire Conner, whose parents were staunch members of the John Birch Society (JBS), provides a deeply personal perspective on how the JBS’s extreme conservative and religious ideologies shaped her upbringing and the broader conservative movement. Through her narrative, Conner exposes the Society’s fervent anti-communism, its use of fear-mongering tactics, and its uncompromising quest for political power, all underpinned by a strict interpretation of Christian values.
In the book, Conner recounts her childhood in a household where the JBS’s radical Christian beliefs were not only embraced but fervently promoted. She explores how these beliefs drove the Society’s opposition to civil rights, its promotion of segregation, and its rejection of any form of progressive social change. Conner reflects on the broader implications of this hardline stance, showing how the JBS’s combination of political extremism and religious zealotry influenced the modern conservative movement. “Wrapped in the Flag” serves as both a personal memoir and a critical historical analysis, offering readers an insightful look at the roots of America’s radical right and its enduring impact on contemporary politics, especially through its integration of rigid Christian ideology.
One Nation Under God: How Corporate America Invented Christian America by Kevin M. Kruse is an insightful exploration of the strategic alliance between corporate America and religious leaders to promote a Christian identity for the nation. Kruse meticulously traces the origins of this partnership back to the mid-20th century, revealing how business leaders and conservative politicians collaborated with prominent clergy to counter the New Deal and the growing influence of secularism. By championing the idea that America was founded as a Christian nation, they sought to foster a moral framework that aligned with free-market capitalism and conservative political values.
Kruse’s book delves into how this orchestrated campaign reshaped American public life, embedding religious language and symbols into the political and cultural fabric of the nation. He details how corporate-funded initiatives popularized practices such as adding “under God” to the Pledge of Allegiance and “In God We Trust” on currency, effectively merging religious faith with national identity. Through a combination of historical research and engaging narrative, “One Nation Under God” uncovers the deliberate efforts to create a Christian America from whole cloth, highlighting the lasting impact of this movement on contemporary politics and society. Kruse’s work challenges readers to reconsider the origins of America’s religious rhetoric and its potentially dangerous implications for the nation’s democratic principles.
The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory: American Evangelicals in an Age of Extremism by Tim Alberta is a penetrating examination of the evolving role of evangelicals in American politics, particularly in the context of rising extremism. Alberta, a seasoned political journalist and former Evangelical, provides a comprehensive analysis of how the evangelical movement has increasingly aligned itself with radical political ideologies, often prioritizing political power over traditional Christian values. He explores the complex dynamics within the evangelical community, highlighting the tensions between maintaining religious integrity and engaging in partisan battles.
Alberta’s book offers a detailed account of key events and figures that have shaped the current evangelical landscape, from the Moral Majority and the rise of the religious right to the influence of prominent evangelical leaders in the Trump era. He delves into the ways in which evangelicals have embraced extreme positions on issues such as immigration, LGBTQ rights, and religious liberty, often at odds with the inclusive message of Christianity. Through rigorous reporting and insightful commentary, “The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory” challenges readers to understand the deep-rooted factors driving evangelical political engagement and the implications for American democracy. Alberta’s work provides a critical perspective on the intersection of faith and politics in an age of increasing polarization and extremism.
The initiative seeks to undo over a century of progressive reforms, tracing back to the establishment of a federal administrative framework by Woodrow Wilson, through the New Deal by Roosevelt, to Johnson’s Great Society. It proposes a significant reduction in the federal workforce, which stands at about 2.25 million people.
Project 2025 plans
Essential measures include reducing funding for, or even abolishing, key agencies such as the Department of Justice, the FBI, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Departments of Education and Commerce. Additionally, Project 2025 intends to bring semi-independent agencies like the Federal Communications Commission under closer presidential control.
At its heart, Project 2025 aims to secure a durable conservative dominance within the federal government, aligning it closely with the principles of the MAGA movement and ensuring it operates under the direct oversight of the White House. The project is inspired by the “unitary executive theory” of the Constitution, which argues for sweeping presidential authority over the federal administrative apparatus — in direct contradiction with the delicate system of checks and balances architected by the Founders.
It is also inspired by religious fervor (and the cynical exploitation thereof) — and Project 2025 has brought together a pantheon of Christian nationalist organizations and groups to draft policy that could be implemented with alacrity, select potential appointees for the administration, build networks with GOP at the state and local levels — and with right wing groups and networks around the world.
Project 2025 goals
To realize their extremist, authoritarian goal, Dans is actively recruiting what he terms “conservative warriors” from legal and government networks, including bar associations and offices of state attorneys general. The aim is to embed these individuals in key legal roles throughout the government, thereby embedding the conservative vision deeply within the federal bureaucracy to shape policy and governance for the foreseeable future.
Jesus commanded us to love our enemies. The vitriol of our politics — the violent rhetoric, the animosity, the refusal to engage in democratic deliberation — is not loving our enemies. It seems to me that Christian nationalism isn’t very Christian, in word or deed.
Jesus hated fame, loathed fortune, and eschewed power. So many of these fake Christians and Christian nationalist groups fundraising for the profane idol of Trumpism are drunk on all three.
They’ve tied capitalism and Christianity together in a way that is both wholly unsupported by the Bible and wholly antithetical to the foundational idea of growing the size of your market, not shrinking it. Jesus threw the moneylenders out of the temple, condemning the commercialization of religious practice. And yet the commercialization of religious practice is alive and well in the American version of Christian nationalism.
Jesus loved the poor, and frequently warned about the dangers of wealth and greed. He told the parable of the Good Samaritan, who stops to help a total stranger in need, expecting no help in return — and said “go and do likewise.” He was very much an original Social Justice Warrior.
Politics and spirituality are opposites
Jesus also said to render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s — indicating that he believed politics and spirituality were not a good mix. God’s realm is not like this one, and he does not care about our petty political trifles. He cares that we love our neighbors as ourselves.
Which is a value I believe in and agree on, even though I’m a Buddhist. There is much wisdom from pretty much all the religious doctrines worth listening to and adopting, even if one does not adopt the symbolism of the identity tropes of a chosen religious practice. Morality does not depend on being a member of the Christian faith or any other particular faith — despite the claims of some in the right-wing. There are moral people everywhere, getting up every day and doing their best to be good humans, good citizens, good neighbors, good parents, friends, volunteers, and so on.
Humans first, tribes second
We have to put our humanity ahead of our group identities if we have a chance of surviving the coming wars — the climate war, the food and water wars, the new cold war, lawfare, and new escalations of the information warfare and psychological warfare around the globe. We are all more alike than we are different — a deep truth that Jesus knew and shared strongly, asking us to live and share that message ourselves, even when it’s sometimes hard.
