Mark Lilla: The Once and Future Liberal

Books come to my attention through many means. This post illustrates that (see the photo - thanks Nick). The bookshops I most value are ones that are up to date with what’s being published, and have a broad selection across a good breadth of genre’s and subjects. They’re also books that people are talking about (e.g. author interviews – radio and podcast; or book reviews). They’re books that speak to and critique the times we live in. They’re books that broaden and deepen our understanding of what it means to be human, whether as individuals, or as community. They’re books that are good for the soul.

Back in January 2017, I referenced Thomas Frank’s March 2016 publication Listen Liberal: Or What Ever Happened to the Party of the People. Today, I want to highlight a related title, Mark Lilla’s August 2017 publication The Once and Future Liberal: After Identity Politics, a title I’m unlikely to see in my local bookshop, but one I want to read, not because I’m particularly interested in American politics, but because, in general, I think we’re ill-served by our politicians and the ideologues and lobbyists that have their ears. I want to hear well thought out and researched alternative perspectives; perspectives that put community, the most disadvantaged, and a compelling vision of human thriving ahead of narrow self-interest. I want to hear voices (of sociologists, artists, poets, novelists, philosophers, psychologists, political activists, law professors, scientists, educators, theologians etc.) that help me imagine a fairer and more just world.

"Hostility toward identity politics-nurtured by Steve Bannon and others-helped propel the rise of Donald Trump. But that feeling is not only to be found on the right. The Columbia professor Mark Lilla says very much the same thing: that vocal opposition to racism and support for gay and transgender rights have been costing Democrats election after election, all over America. In a controversial new book, "The Once and Future Liberal," Lilla is highly critical of Black Lives Matter and goes out of his way to antagonize activists on the left, who, he says, are oblivious to electoral reality. But his position, he tells David Remnick, is in the service of effecting liberal change: "We cannot do anything for these groups we care about if we do not hold power-it is just talk. Our rhetoric in campaigning must be focussed on winning so we can help these people. An election is not about self-expression-it's a contest."…"

To get a good overview of the Lilla’s arguments have a listen to this short (under 15 mins) conversation between Lilla and the New Yorker’s David Remnick, which aired 28^th August 2017. Overview, above in bold text. For a longer conversation you could try Lilla talking with Sam Harris (aired 27 September 2017).