The Theme for Jan 07: John Ralston Saul

By Greg -
For January’s meeting, I thought that rather than discuss a specific book by John Ralston Saul, we could take up several. His views on history, politics, economics and social policy all merge into a philosophy of “civilization” that I find very compelling. He’s also written some fiction, which I’ve never read, but you’re welcome to check those out as well.

Voltaire’s Bastards is a history of western civilization, from Cardinal Richelieu to Robert McNamara, from Jesus to the Harvard Business School.

On Equilibrium details his epistemological philosophy. Here’s where you learn the place of Reason among other human qualities: Common Sense; Ethics; Imagination; Intuition; and Memory.

The Unconscious Civilization takes his ideas about core human qualities and consciousness, and applies them to an understanding of current western democracies.

The Collapse of Globalism attacks our obsession with free trade, elevating commerce above broader and more basic social issues, and examines the meaning and relevance of nation states in a global economy.

Democracy and Globalization (lecture, University of New South Wales, Jan 99) – not available as a podcast, as far as I know, but you can read the transcript or listen to the full lecture on the website.

Debating Globalization (Interview, KUOW’s Weekday, 3/15/2004) – No transcript, but the audio is available online, and can be downloaded to your computer or MP3 player.

He’s considered a national treasure in Canada. Check out his bio on the governor general’s web site which includes transcripts of many of his speeches: http://www.gg.ca/gg/fgg/bios/03/jrs_e.asp

There’s lots more on the web. Let us all know if you find something interesting that I didn’t mention here.

Comments

Craig said…
Great posting Greg! I look forward to reading as much as I can online and reading Voltaire's Bastards. I find this theme very intriguing!
November 16, 2006 at 4:14:00 PM PST
Greg said…
Thanks. I might try posting some interesting tidbits I've picked up in my current re-reading of his books -- see if I can generate an online discussion that might help people get through some of his denser material.
November 16, 2006 at 11:55:00 PM PST
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