Crime? Solved ✅

Not by me though!

I first came across Thomas Chatterton Williams’ work, ironically enough, in the summer of 2020. I found, and continue to find, his ability to articulate nuanced positions with a level head and compassion a welcome balm in a very divided and sharp political and cultural landscape.

The afterword, in my opinion, is the strongest part of this book, although I found the chapter discussing the impact of American ideas on France during and after the pandemic very enlightening and it made me want to learn more. This book’s greatest weakness is what I find to be Chatterton Williams’ greatest strength - it is a level-headed, nuanced unpacking of the cultural shift in our discourse from 2016 on. But that’s all it is. I don’t know that it provides new insight, or offers clearly a way forward.

I find books like this - ones that look at the American left and point to how our extravagence and illiberal behaviour cannot be separated from the rise of the right and authoritarianism - extremely important. We are at risk of continuing to repeat these illiberal practices if we cannot name them for what they are and recognize why they are harmful. “Summer Of Our Discontent” absolutely lays it why they are harmful, but is not quite able to explain how we can work ourselves out of it.

Ultimately, the takeaway I had is a reminder to remain open-minded, curious, and willing to learn. To never be so married to my point of view to have a belief of “moral clarity” - or at least not allow my view of the world to be one I consider to be the one, fundamental truth. If everyone could read this book and work towards that goal, perhaps that is our way forward.

This book inflicted psychic damage on me. It’s god awful

RIP Ned Land, you would’ve loved being woobified by girls on Tumblr

Where’s her fucking rage? Rise! Rise!