George Soros Lecture Series: Open Society

Open Society Foundations chairman and founder George Soros shares his latest thinking on economics and politics in a five-part lecture series recorded at Central European University, October 26-30, 2009. The lectures are the culmination of a lifetime of practical and philosophical reflection.
Soros discusses his general theory of reflexivity and its application to financial markets, providing insights into the recent financial crisis. The third and fourth lectures examine the concept of open society, which has guided Soros's global philanthropy, as well as the potential for conflict between capitalism and open society. The closing lecture focuses on the way ahead, examining the increasingly important economic and political role that China will play in the future.
Learn more and watch the lecture series: www.opensocietyfoundations.org...

[@MickeyT54]

Having an "Open Society" can become key to a society's destruction, when a destructive element is introduced unchecked that desires your society's destruction.

[@robfriis4018]

You know it, this man can be characterized in one word SUBVERSIVE

[@ukaszwojtalik8198]

Look who was right... not funny though... all these poor idiots thinking they are doing good today

[@jonathangullett3143]

This is what it looks like when you read one book when you’re a kid, and you never move on but keep rethinking the original idea…

[@donaldedward4951]

This is third of 5 lectures, Jonathon.

[@Vekikev1]

​@@hospitalisblue-rv6qkKnowledge wealth is better than pure financial wealth. Plenty of financially wealthy people that don't have real wealth.

[@arturasstatkus8613]

Thank You,Sir.

[@johngaljaardt]

Hey George, what if I don't want open society?

[@jlemmink]

You can go to Iran and find out....

[@tymurmylosvietov4120]

Extremely informative and very useful for nowadays!

[@pedalpusher4141]

I'm not usually one to advocate drugs, but if ever anyone could benefit from L.S.D. it's this fellow.

[@CS-cn6bh]

😂😂😂😂

[@johntatum1951]

An Open Society means criminals will rule.

[@jlemmink]

So fascism it is...cause no criminals there...lol

[@iscreamfitness]

Now look at How great London and Paris is. Thanks. George ...............

[@robfriis4018]

Yeah these places suck too many White people..(if I was George Soros this is probably what he mainly thinks..

[@NativeVsColonial]

He is banned from his own country Hungary, and I think this is why he is against nationalism, lol.

[@donaldedward4951]

HUNGARY IS BECOMING A TOTALITARIAN COUNTRY. Recently they got rid of "Proportional Representation" and went back to a system kinder to one man rule or single party rule

[@conlawmeateater8792]

​@@donaldedward4951 America is a 1 party rule as well.

[@ragnarok283]

Based Hungary

[@brett4756]

What an amazing lecture, so insightful, articulate, and holistic perceptive, free from any basis of bias. Can't want to listen to more of his lectures. The concept of a fruitful fallacy true or both the cognitive and the manipulative function is brilliantly Hegelian. Education in an open society must never lose sight of both of these fruitful fallacies, but when was the last time this was discussed or raised in school?

[@donaldquirk7801]

With as many times this man is referenced I'm surprised this only has 78,000 views.

[@GhostOnTheHalfShell]

This lecture should be required reading for every one. More potent today than when it was given.

[@Japatao1]

Absolutely amazing talk. It has made me think a lot and has given me the start of an answer as to why our politicians are so bad at making society better. Thank you.

[@channelno.7994]

He founded the CEU and now he gives lectures in the CEU. Funny.

[@bballcrazeddan23]

He had no idea how far reality could and would be distorted only 6 years later. Many of his concerns and fears expressed in this video have come true. His assertions on people having been preconditioned to be more interested in being entertained than being informed as well as that reality is not a measurable truth but rather a collection of narratives that can be shaped an altered as one sees fits has been proven to be true by Donald Trump's election victory. the pursuit of power has triumphed over the search for truth.

[@haroldcruz3389]

Do you even have the slightest idea who George Soros is? if NO then I am very sorry for you, you have already been enslaved and you don't even know it.

[@modfus]

bballcrazeddan23: I agree with you. I do think Soros is correct on many points - but he is thoroughly guilty of the very type of manipulation he claims to be so strongly against. He has become a Machiavellian philosopher king of sorts - this runs entirely counter to his Open Society ideology.

[@onetwo19]

He's like nostradamus - everyone reads what they want into what they hear.

[@grigolli9072]

Pretty increadible, as if he was talking about exactly what are state is now and has only deepened in 2022.

[@Revelator2025]

GS is evil 👿

[@user-op9gw9hv7k]

Praying for good people in high places 🙏 🙌

[@xxurmommaxx7927]

Reflexivity refers to circular relationships between cause and effect. ... In sociology, reflexivity therefore comes to mean an act of self-reference where examination or action "bends back on", refers to, and affects the entity instigating the action or examination.

[@adielstephenson2929]

I didn't understand a word of that.

[@raemarlow57]

I had to read that three times

[@aaronpoage597]

Things will buff out to put it in layman's terms.

[@d_wigglesworth]

It’s actually a claim about freedom in the best sense of that word. A reflexive society has a capacity to make itself into other forms… even if it is subject to outside influences (influences that do not necessarily share the society’s interests. That’s called colonialism, of course.) When a society is “closed” (is not reflexive), although it can remake things differently (eg its environment or a neighbouring society) … the fact that it is not reflexive (closed) would mean simply that it cannot remake itself … but an outside influence might do just that: with little or no effective opposition from the society itself (the influencer’s success depends on its own capacity to identify and leverage the weaknesses that might be found in any given closed society… such as targeting its decision making class, if any, with corrupting influences) It’s hard to imagine a truly closed society; one that is 100% non-reflexive… but perhaps there are degrees. And that perspective might help explain some distinctions among some societies over the last several centuries (and that is far more explicative than mere “guns germs and steel”)

[@d_wigglesworth]

I asked chatgpt to comment on my comment :) I think cgpt made some of the points a little more clearly: The comment you shared delves into the concept of reflexivity in societies, contrasting "reflexive" and "closed" societies in terms of their ability to self-transform and respond to external influences. This discussion is framed within a broader debate about freedom, autonomy, and external influence (or colonialism). Here's a breakdown and reflection on the points made: Reflexivity in Societies: The concept of a reflexive society, as mentioned, is one that possesses the capacity to critically reflect on itself and adapt or transform accordingly. This reflexivity is a form of freedom in its highest sense because it implies the ability to change course, reformulate values, goals, and societal structures based on self-awareness and self-critique. External Influences and Colonialism: The comment highlights that even reflexive societies are subject to external influences, which may not always align with the society's interests. When such influences are coercive or exploitative, drawing parallels to colonialism, they can significantly impact the society's trajectory, often detrimentally. Closed Societies and Vulnerability: A closed society, described as non-reflexive, lacks this capacity for self-transformation and critical self-reflection. Such societies can still impact their environment or others but are portrayed as inherently vulnerable to external manipulation. This vulnerability stems from an inability to self-examine and adapt, making them susceptible to influences that can exploit their weaknesses, particularly through corruption or coercion of their decision-making bodies. Theoretical Considerations: The notion of a completely non-reflexive (100% closed) society is presented as almost theoretical, suggesting that all societies possess some degree of reflexivity. However, the variability in this capacity can significantly influence a society's history and development, offering a more nuanced explanation of societal differences than theories that rely solely on materialistic or deterministic factors like "guns, germs, and steel." This comment appears to draw on several theoretical frameworks, including those related to sociology, political science, and post-colonial studies. It critiques deterministic explanations of societal development and emphasizes the importance of internal dynamics and the capacity for self-reflection in shaping societal destinies. This perspective encourages a more nuanced analysis of history and society, considering both internal capabilities and external influences in understanding societal changes and trajectories.

[@sophielouis1773]

I will be the Judge Of The Living & The Dead...gladly appreciated for reminding.

[@S.J.L]

When you can't get what you want through voluntary action you end up equivocating to justify your own manipulation and coercion. This man and his ilk are nothing more or less than "the banality of evil" cloaked in "the vision of the anointed."

[@jonathangullett3143]

The irony is that popper was trying to warn about people like this.

[@d_wigglesworth]

Lecture 3 of 5

[@EmperorsNewWardrobe]

19:48

[@stogies3]

Sir it is my great pleasure to inform you that Budapest is pronounced ...Budapesht and Soros is pronounced likewise Shorosh. Have a nice day. Incredible they made him head of CEU.

[@ludwigludwig3515]

You are an English Grammatik Nazi.

[@adielstephenson2929]

Firstly, Budapesht is the way it's pronounced in Hungarian, not English. You Hungarians call Vienna Bécs, and refer to Paris (pronounced Paree in France) as Párizs (Paareejs). So what? And he's not the "head" of the CEU - he's its founder. He paid for the whole thing.

[@sophielouis1773]

I will be collecting from A-Z..

[@carmensomers637]

Very interesting Thank you

[@onetwo19]

He's pretty old. When he dies there will be alot of people at his funeral wondering where they will get the free money now.

[@pablogubert]

Popper took it for granted that cognitive function takes precedence.

[@lukajung9051]

Yes, would love it if you could elaborate further!

[@philosopher3000]

Thank you very much to the Central European University for putting these lectures online, so that every philosopher king can educate themselves.

[@DaPhreshestKidd]

So you guys believe he is evil because he wants people to get along and love one another? Because he sees that shifting mindset from survival to self expression would spin reality into an exponential growth of economy, happiness, technology, medical discovery, health, freedom, spiritual influence and human cognitive evolution through self awareness and enlightenment. He's actually a brilliant brilliant man with a heart and a thoroughly well thought out plan to fulfill his objectives. He has no need for money or power, all of that he's got. He truly poses an amazing suggestion for a utopian world in every way. This is the future of political coherence. This guy is a genius. Pure genius.

[@michaelpetersonslovingmusi8069]

... everything he touches is designed to manipulate the masses... his hate for America and freedom is obvious... Brilliant? Hardly... It's his way or the highway... He's just another Narcissistic Billionaire who believes he knows EVERYTHING...

[@talesfromthemoribund702]

You're lack of awareness would be startling if I wasn't used to people with 95 IQs waxing philosophic on how they "figured it all out" while not being able to think their way out a paper bag..

[@sophielouis1773]

It is not a competition nor repeatition. It is a God’s Power,That Connot Be manipulated. And “I thanked God,For Everything.”

[@harsimransingh4667]

George Orwell 1984

[@sophielouis1773]

The forces of nature by means--the Eye Of The Storm..

[@sophielouis1773]

Enlightment Policies,Are Being Reffered To my “Royal Glass.”

[@fuadarif4056]

Open Society has a distractive intention to traditional society.

[@lindaflowerpower8498]

👿 🛑 The students at the Viennese SOROS-Uni CEU feign tolerance towards Muslim migrants. The 10th district of Vienna, where the CEE is located, has 70% Muslim people, but the hypocrite students never associate with them. Those liars discriminate Asylum critics as racists🤮

[@albertofreitas3672]

Discorrer desta maneira sem ter um papel na frente não é para qualquer um Mbom

[@sophielouis1773]

It will only be dangerous,for failing to Fallow my Orders a Song Like: “Vertigo.”

[@sophielouis1773]

I got no competition for there’s “No One Like Me.”

[@sophielouis1773]

The Order,Shall Begin with Me..

[@deretreivels44]

so move to cuba

[@jett3332]

HE DOESN’T BELIEVE IN HIS OWN TALK. HE’S JUST LOOING FOR A WAY TO INCREASE HIS PERSONAL WEALTH. THAT’S ALL.

[@franktube5185]

true , people like him always spread lies and fear among people

[@LyndaMackrous-wi6fv]

He was the sickest President of the United States engaging a war in a rack on false pretence

[@sophielouis1773]

My Golden Means- Enlighrments...

[@hankigoe8615]

25:30 bush admins postmodern worldview 32:00 objective view of reality shares commonality with religious faith

[@patriciadebarros789]

Ok. i like questa scena di apertura su un grande show....un ponte...tutti sanno quanto io li ami....i ponti....👽😎🛸

[@nazritevow6169]

100%@28:50

[@strandwolf]

Isn't Allen West the former soldier? The guy who abused a detainee and resigned from the military rather than be courtmartialed?

[@ddcc2045]

If there is a hell then George will have a special place there. You will not be missed George.

[@AlexSGabor]

He did?

[@sophielouis1773]

Eliminate Wanted Felons & Crooks @ Wallsteet.

[@dimirockeropoulos6104]

George Soros is a real life Lex Luthor.

[@edoardorozza5698]

A good man follower of "ppen society and his ennenies" by karl raimund popper his master at the london business school,,,

[@samlyons3552]

PoP-Rux is the answer

[@achillestheheel5695]

Am I the only one who thought that's his museings were full of platitudes and meaningless generalities? He touches on his unclear philosophical and economic views to his disdain for American politics and dislike for former president Bush. His speech was all over the place and I found it hard to pinpoint what he really believes.

[@jdcrow7877]

Are you sure you aren’t just reacting to the echo chamber in the comments? His talk is pretty clear and well organized from a purely technical perspective - he’s basically reading an essay.

[@achillestheheel5695]

@@jdcrow7877 I'm not attacking Mr. Soros. I respectfully disagree about the clarity and organization. And if it was clear then what did he say? I'll clarify the question.... What was in his essay that you could apply to the real world and have some real meaningful success either in your personal life or in monetary policy as it pertains to political affairs? Since it's so clear then please explainml. Because, I assume his speech isn't meant to be an empty suit. Right?

[@achillestheheel5695]

@@jdcrow7877 I've actually listened to eight of his speeches and my take away is this... 1. He believes himself to be a philosophical genius. 2. He's said he's a god. 3. He has no idea what he's talking about. 4. He likes the sound of his own voice.

[@jdcrow7877]

There are two core fallacies that have had unfortunate widespread adoption. The enlightenment fallacy - that reason can guide society alone (perfect knowledge and expertise is necessary and possible) and the postmodern fallacy - that reason is powerless to actually guide society successfully (knowledge and expertise is not actually possible, manipulation is necessary and desirable). Open societies must be sufficiently democratic to retain connection to reality and the aforementioned fallacies put them in danger.

[@jdcrow7877]

That would be my flawed summary. I don’t think this is some groundbreaking speech, or that Soros has some kind of special insight. I just find all the comments characterizing this person and the talk in a cartoonish way very suspect and herd-like.

[@edoardorozza5698]

His foundatoon take the name from popper book but with some strange resukts

[@emagoutard2576]

La beauté, c’est superficiel, ça fan que l’intelligence ça se développe

[@modfus]

I suspect a lot of the critics making comments here don't really understand what Soros is talking about. Still, at least they're making an effort to listen to the man himself rather than the skewed and ignorant nonsense spewed out by Alex Jones and others.

[@KM-om8ch]

No. He is just reading I can’t even understand what he is saying or reading

[@dorianwilliams7425]

He’s talking about establishing new ways of a country’s economy. He’s debunking conceptions of how society works. Voting, freedom of speech and such.

[@KM-om8ch]

I guess you’re smart enough to appreciate his lecture.

[@mohammedalhendi5764]

@@KM-om8chhe just has higher pain tolerance

[@joewright9879]

Emperor Palpatine

[@annmural7877]

To obtain some of the reality you speak about requires no outside interference and manipulation contrary to existing laws.

[@sophielouis1773]

To Follow the Biz Policies..anyone who brakes the Biz rules..shall repay the price of punishments according to their Crimes.

[@tonydiv.6681]

Well today, March 19, 2023, ‘Manipulative’ holds the ‘wheel’ with the occasional aid of ‘Conceptivity.’

[@aaronpoage597]

In the realm of self-discovery, I shall embark, To fathom the depths of consciousness, so stark. As campbell wandered through nature's grace, I too shall explore the innermost space. Behold! The path that leads to truth untold, Where the self unfolds, a story yet bold. With every step, the layers peel away, Revealing insights, casting shadows at bay. In solitude's embrace, I delve within, To fathom the essence that lies therein. The whispering winds guide my introspection, As I seek unity, the ultimate connection. I delve into the recesses of my soul, Where hidden gems of wisdom find their role. Through introspection's lens, I gaze and ponder, Unearthing truths, the universe to wander. The self, a prism, reflects the cosmic dance, I merge with the cosmos, in a cosmic trance. With open eyes, I perceive the interplay, Between self and world, in harmony's sway. Dedicated to tom campbell my big toe

[@aaronpoage597]

A Man of Virtue Oh, to be a man of virtue, With compassion in his soul, To live a life of honor, And to make his heart his goal. To treat his fellow man with kindness, And to love his neighbor true, To be a friend to all who need him, And to help them see it through. For virtue is the key to happiness, And compassion is its guide, To live a life of love and kindness, And to never leave one's side. So let us strive to live with virtue, And to treat each other well, For in the end, it is our kindness, That will make our story tell. And when the final day has come, And we look back on our life, May we be proud of all we've done, And the love we shared in strife. For there is no greater joy in life, Than to be a man of virtue true, To live a life of love and kindness, And to make our hearts anew.

[@bon12121]

This lecture gave me a lot more respect for Soros.

[@ItsJustSoSweet]

🤣🤣🤣

[@Hamromerochannel]

Clearly shows how his assumptions are wrong or biased towards or more like against right side politics!

[@emagoutard2576]

J’ai jamais été antisémite, j’adore cette homme, j’ai tellement de respect pour son intelligence

[@emagoutard2576]

Beaucoup diront que je suis pas normal, mais cet homme-là j’ai respect et je l’adore. Malgré tout il manquera. Je lui souhaite encore une une longue vie

[@aaronpoage597]

Am i missing something, i hear him talk of cognitive ability which is mental intellect. How he talks of the manipulative side as the other. Surely he must see that all who act out in poor self servicing traits are on the lower stages of consciousness. Am i missing somthing? It seems he is stuck in the thoughts that he can manipulate the development of humanity like how he manipulated the markets. He should work at being an inspiration rather than trying to control out of ego and intellect.

[@aaronpoage597]

I can understand how people are unsure of his intentions despite his claims to be working towards a more ethical agency. He should have studied power vs force by Hawkins it might have gave him a different understanding for his hypothesis although it does seem to describe basic human tendency whilst try to create a secure financial future for themselves.

[@edoardorozza5698]

At the maximum level this man is atrouble making guy both with centrak banks & government around the world,,,,

[@edoardorozza5698]

Do not guve u mony to quantum fund, it is dangerous

[@edoardorozza5698]

Hypocrite & false man belongjng to the well know tribe,,,

[@edoardorozza5698]

His real name george swartz from hungary same tribe of popper

[@juandavidc.6915]

A wrong man who thinks he is better than God. Psalm 14:1 and Psalm 53:1 “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’ These people don't know that they won't get away with all the damage they've done to the world.

[@nicolaelazar4514]

🎻🎻🎻🎻🎻🎻

[@waffleninja1000]

It's 2021. The Open Society Model has led to less individual freedom and more state power, explicitly against its own goals. I believe your mistake in thinking was that individuals are exchangeable economic and political units. That is simply not true. People are different. My analysis has pointed to slight differences either genetic or so deeply ingrained as to appear to be genetic. These slight differences inherently lead to reinforced tribalism when combined into the "Melting Pot" that is the United States (and now Europe, too). Sadly, some people can never be as economically or intellectually successful as others. Realizing this fact is painful and against conventional wisdom. Ignoring this fact leads to chaos. I accept that chaos will likely occur as you will not be able to accept this fact. It is painful to admit decades long experiments have failed. However, out of chaos comes order when those most suitable to create a society rise up again. You've already been checkmated if you look a few moves ahead. About 80% of the world will be destroyed to reach that point though, sadly, which you caused. I'm going to sit out that destruction and rebuild the society after. Have fun realizing your downfall.

[@edoardorozza5698]

We have to be clair here, the morality of this man is dubius at the ninimum leveled

[@Eric00700]

Examples?

[@waynehornberger9825]

Wealth of the wicked is layed up for me they shall gather it up but I shall put it on he that by usery and Unjust gain increaset his substance he shall gather it up for me because I pity the poor he works for me

[@Steve-ti2do]

They cal this FUNCK a philanthropist

[@emagoutard2576]

Où c’est ce qu’il a fait, on connaît sa vie, mais ça n’empêche pas d’avoir un grand respect parce qu’il est super intelligent Et que le monde dit que la vie aurait été plate sans lui

[@LyndaMackrous-wi6fv]

You learned to pay off hoodlums mobs violence to make your point you are creating a war within the United States take your open society in your home country leave go open your society and hungry

[@gamespace8485]

This man doesn't say a word without making money from it. Not a single word.

[@flex3d90]

Every single time he exhales, he says a lie.

[@kari-tapiohaavisto4090]

@@Paonporteur And how did you connect trump/trumpism here? 🙈

[@SurfbyShootin]

His hands must be cold. He is us clasping them to conserve heat.

[@mikhailpermitin7652]

I guess mr Soros doesnt really trust to Popper's statements, at least in the beginning he's talking about his family's money. So mr Soros isnt the propper example of open society, as I understand

[@fredriko.zachrisson9711]

Oh Yeah this was when you we still winning

[@emmajanebread]

He’s sitting on a commode !! It should be attached to his mouth !!

[@emagoutard2576]

13 ans, la date où on vous a prévenu, on a pas arrêté

[@emagoutard2576]

À 14 ans, il avait compris beaucoup de choses à la vie

[@samlyons3552]

sorry What i ment is Population Reduction is the answer No offense to those that follow dogma

[@emagoutard2576]

Je sais ce que vous allez me dire, mais j’aurai 50 ans de moi j’aurais aimé vivre à son époque. Il est fascinant cet homme il a fait beaucoup de mal mais tellement intelligent ça ça attire quand on a entouré de conneries.

[@inmediatamenteya1716]

MIL VECES MALDITO...

[@user-sl4dw3js6y]

what's wrong with Open society?'

[@emagoutard2576]

Des 94 il avait installé ses bureaux sur Paris lui esptein aussi

[@avo2855]

the devil disguises himself as the angel of light.

[@patriciadebarros789]

#g come #Genova...g...come #George...g....come #Giulio....g...come #Giordano...g...come.....gola tagliata....g...come...proseguì tu.....hai altre parole con la g da proporre???👽🛸

[@christianitis]

Love this fella!

[@emagoutard2576]

notre-Dame, c’est lui à cause de qui de Bozo Hollande

[@emagoutard2576]

Si vous faites le point, il n’a jamais menti. C’est pour ça que j’ai beaucoup de respect pour lui, contrairement à Simone Veil qui a raconté des fables.

[@emagoutard2576]

Quelque part, malgré son argent, sa fortune et tout, et la garde un esprit enfants pour lui la. Vie est un jeu

[@accridelich7369]

He spoke too soon. He should have seen Barry Sotero.

[@LyndaMackrous-wi6fv]

You defined the mission of open society using non-prophet organization scammed the government out of tax dollars and you kept creating nonprofit organizations to disrupt the country to cause chaos in the country you do not know what being an American is you are an American on paper not in the heart you didn’t build this country you’re here to destroy it according to your Hungarian believes go home and build hungry with your $40 million And go change the system there in those countries leave the American alone don’t fuck it up people work hard to get to where the rat

[@coreyoldknow272]

The guys talks in circles . I really don't get his points

[@omariwest9068]

This guy is very wise and truly a light on the dark path.

[@omariwest9068]

@@tammyhagger1460 - ridiculous. he’s one of the best thinkers of the 20th century.

[@omariwest9068]

@@bollongbollong - nope, and could care less whether he’s Jewish. He’s a giant intellectual and great man.

[@albertofreitas3672]

Mbom

[@emagoutard2576]

c’est que moi je les connais depuis longtemps chez philipps ct eux

[@sophielouis1773]

The Rebuilding Of The House Of The Lord,In The House DAVID “The New Jerusalem,”. Shall Bring Peace,Prospherity To the World..

[@adielstephenson2929]

Can you shut up?

[@larrybuchholz6046]

Blah blah blah blah blah

[@sophielouis1773]

Then you can explain to the World, On “How The Universe,Were Created?.”

[@user-nc9rm9lf8l]

한승연

[@patriciadebarros789]

Prima lo stordisco con la riserva di vino...la migliore dannata....con portabottiglie da me personalizzata per l'occasione...👻🧚💀🎃☠️😈🤶😎👽🛸