The Best Way to Master Anything: Deliberate Practice. Hum Jeetenge

Embark on an intellectual odyssey with us and our esteemed guest, Amogh Sahu, a formidable doctoral candidate at Columbia University, as we traverse a decade's worth of leftist thought and its profound transformations. Reflecting on our shared history of dialogue and discovery, we delve into the nuances of leftist influence on culture and politics, challenging the myths surrounding their impact. Through a blend of nostalgia and critique, we revisit our interviews, particularly the poignant conversation with the late Erik Olin Wright, and examine the legacies left by major Marxist figures and debates that continue to shape the contours of leftist theory and practice today.Join the conversation as we dissect power dynamics and the sense of powerlessness that pulsates through the political spectrum, scrutinizing the strategies employed by the left—from Marxist-Leninism to Modern Monetary Theory. We confront the subtle but significant contributions of leftist ideologies to societal evolution, while grappling with the fragmentation within heterodox economics and the complexities of integrating economic theories into policy-making. This episode isn't just a dialogue; it's a comprehensive examination of the evolving landscape where leftist strategies intersect with the contentious dynamics of political movements and the broader implications for American politics and society.As we wrap up our conversation, we ponder the future of U.S. politics and its intricate connections to economic and social issues, reflecting on demographic shifts and the evolving needs of the military, alongside the left's ongoing struggles to align its ideals with labor market realities. With Amog's insights, we dissect the impact of leftist thought on the elite and the paradoxical relationship between a vibrant American democracy and the seeming degradation of its political center. Tune in for a candid and in-depth exploration of the currents that shape our cultural debates, political discourse, and societal trends, as we strive to understand the promise and the pitfalls of navigating leftist ideologies and strategies. Support the Show.Crew:Host: C. Derick VarnIntro and Outro Music by Bitter Lake.Intro Video Design: Jason MylesArt Design: Corn and C. Derick VarnLinks and Social Media:twitter: @varnvlogblue sky: @varnvlog.bsky.socialYou can find the additional streams on Youtube

Prepare to step into the labyrinth of Marxist philosophy! Journey with us and our esteemed guest, Amogh Sahu, a PhD candidate from Columbia University, as we dive into the minds of George Lukacs and Antonio Gramsci. Unravel the complexities of Lukash's Marxist methodology and its often misunderstood form, standpoint epistemology. Grasp new insights as we explore the unique understanding the oppressed have about the system that oppresses them.Our intellectual expedition continues as we challenge the power of circular logic and its influence on online debates. Join us as we untangle the convoluted threads of assigning causal agency to aggregate abstractions and delve into the challenges of discussing causation. Reflect with us on the profound implications of tautological reasoning and the influence of Lukash's reinterpretation of the proletariat's role in history on his theories.Our discourse further unfolds as we evaluate the tensions between Lukash's praxis theory and capitalism, and dissect the essence of Lukash's theory of a real communist movement. We also question the implications of Marxists' views on the industrialization issues in India and conclude our conversation with a focus on secularization in the United States and its impact on our society. So, buckle up for a whirlwind ride through the intricate world of Marxist philosophy! Support the Show.Crew:Host: C. Derick VarnIntro and Outro Music by Bitter Lake.Intro Video Design: Jason MylesArt Design: Corn and C. Derick VarnLinks and Social Media:twitter: @varnvlogblue sky: @varnvlog.bsky.socialYou can find the additional streams on Youtube

Please support our Patreon.  For early and ad-free episodes, members-only content, and more.Amogh Sahu was my co-host on the defunct Symptomatic Redness podcast.  Amogh and I ran a show on the problems and developments of Marxism from 1213-2019-first under our own aegis and then as a supplement for Doug Lain's tenure at Zero books.   This is the second of two episodes and hopefully many future appearances.   Amogh and I talk about the legacy of Lukacs and the problems of a codified "Marxism" as a belief set.Abandon all hope ye who subscribe here.   Crew:Host: C. Derick VarnAudio Producer: Paul Channel Strip  ( @aufhebenkultur )Intro and Outro Music by Bitter Lake.Intro Video Design: Jason MylesLinks and Social Media:twitter: @skepoetFacebookYou can find the additional streams on Youtube Support the Show.Crew:Host: C. Derick VarnIntro and Outro Music by Bitter Lake.Intro Video Design: Jason MylesArt Design: Corn and C. Derick VarnLinks and Social Media:twitter: @varnvlogblue sky: @varnvlog.bsky.socialYou can find the additional streams on Youtube

Ever wondered why smaller Marxist groups are financially stable while larger organizations like the Democratic Socialists of America struggle? Our guest, Amogh Sahu, brings clarity to this and other enigmas within leftist movements by pulling back the curtain on the role of wealthy individuals and funding transparency in these organizations. Explore the ethical considerations of independently wealthy leaders in Marxist organizations and the impact this has on their credibility and operations.Shifting our focus to the broader American political landscape, we navigate through the evolving dynamics within the Republican and Democratic parties. From the rise and fall of alt-right movements to the unpredictable behavior of the "don't care" voters, we scrutinize trends that could reshape future elections. We delve into the changing voter composition, particularly among Zoomers, and the public's growing desire for a third party, despite historical voting patterns.Finally, we traverse the complex terrain of modern warfare and geopolitical strategies, comparing historical and contemporary conflicts like Russia-Ukraine and Gaza. Our discussion sheds light on the brutal realities of counterinsurgency and the critical need for local population support. Reflecting on global political shifts, we examine China's dissatisfaction with Russia, the complications within BRICS, and the evolving nature of the global proletariat. Join us for a comprehensive and thought-provoking conversation on the critical issues shaping today's political landscape. Support the Show.Crew:Host: C. Derick VarnIntro and Outro Music by Bitter Lake.Intro Video Design: Jason MylesArt Design: Corn and C. Derick VarnLinks and Social Media:twitter: @varnvlogblue sky: @varnvlog.bsky.socialYou can find the additional streams on Youtube