Slavoj Žižek: Trump, Himmler, Putin and 'Atheist Christianity' | Žižek's plot to save the West

"There will be a need for radical change, if we don't do it, sorry, the right wingers will do it."
In a wide ranging discussion of the world stage, Putin, Ukraine, Trump and the dangers of religion in an era of atheism, Slavoj Žižek tells #timesradio how the West can navigate the threats of modern nationalist populism.
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[@travisheldreth5021]

I am amazed that Slavoj is 75 years old and his nose is still attached to his face. Love him.

[@tonyr4873]

I gave him 3 minutes, then couldn't listen to his voice anymore.

[@HatKiddy]

His nose survived a lot

[@_.dace._]

@@HatKiddy what did he do to it :o

[@barmanchiche]

hahaha!

[@ManelRuivo]

and he didnt transform in daffy duck.

[@midimusicforever]

I would call Trump and Putin Griftians. They are not Christians but they grift on Christianity to get bonus points.

[@stefansekulic7903]

Putin is a communist. How can a kgb agent be a Christian? He's just a good actor who knows how to use Christian values for his own goals.

[@basitin6909]

I'd certainly agree with a claim on Trump without further explanation. But Putin has taken over the Orthodox church in russia as a demographic weapon against his own nation, calling Putin a grifter certainly wouldn't quite give it justice. The only function that Orthodox church has in soviet russia is to control the demographics, it's fully controlled by their FSB

[@golddigger8759]

I agree, sad but true. Trump should be in jail by know, if the judiciary system hadn't broken down before...

[@agaragar21]

They are criminals ....quit the religious connotations

[@mediaaccess2]

Well said.

[@MisterWillow]

Let's not forget he is 75 during this interview. I can only wish to be so alert/smart/etc at that age! Slavoj has so many important points to make it make me dizzy.

[@kafiruddinmulhiddeen2386]

He’s not smart. So be thankful.

[@allenbilyk4420]

Once you read “Atheism Christianity” it will blow your mind !

[@kafiruddinmulhiddeen2386]

@@allenbilyk4420 judeo Christian minds are easily blown

[@TheRealNickG]

@@allenbilyk4420 Yep. Changed my life! 😎

[@TheRealNickG]

​@@kafiruddinmulhiddeen2386 Tell me you don't know anything about the subject at hand without telling me.... The dumdums are those who see everything as binary. Open doesn't always mean not closed and so on and so forth. Nice try to actually shame book reading though. Thoroughly gross.

[@Vesta_the_Lesser]

“There will be a need for radical change.” It’s a shame the “adults in the room” absolutely refuse to face this fact.

[@anchovie_pizza]

because most are greedy sociopaths who only care about themselves

[@dahrayyem2648]

Radical change is only a tool for the paranoid. And that means subverting democracy. Can you take Macron and the French seriously. The wesrern idea of freedom and democracy only refers to the western worid. Other nations are just a means to an end. Its very clear that meddling in other countries affairs have mostly caued more problems. Think of Libya. Liberia, Iraq... Putin and Russia are not such a problem as they are made out to be. And the more the crisis is given attention the more the rest of the world will move away from the side of the west

[@VeganSemihCyprus33]

For more wisdom 👉The Connections (2021) [short documentary] 🙌

[@bb-ij6bv]

Oh no you just aren't going to like the radical change because it's the right wing version

[@Chad-xs2de]

No, that's false.

[@user-ph5ys7ed7i]

It is so typical of Western Europe to say "oh we didn't see that coming" and "we must never let it happen like this again". We should listen to our Baltic friends, they, if any, know what Ukraine and the rest of Europe need to do to secure our future. Right now, Ukraine is paying the highest price for its survival and for our safety, now we must all give everything we can to help them. It is our damned duty. Do your duty and earn your rights. We simply have to stop seeing the world as we wish it to be and start seeing it for what it is.

[@cv6811]

Well said.

[@Delsbo]

Totally agree.

[@fang_xianfu]

I see many people saying "we should defend out borders, not fight in Eastern Europe or give them money and weapons to fight" as if they don't understand that fighting in Ukraine IS defending ourselves in Western Europe, and even better, we can do it without getting bombed.

[@Delsbo]

@@fang_xianfu We are moving towards something that looks like 1937-38. This is the time to unite to defend human rights, democracy and peace before it’s too late. Or else there won’t be anything to defend.

[@wordzmyth]

Poland is even having their borders tested and Russia is trying to normalise this. Nato partners in Europe are now realising the weapons for Ukraine are completely essential. They are sending weapons. Germany needs to realise how crucial 2024 is to stop following g US reluctance

[@ralphclark]

It just struck me that he's right about the introspection/extrospection thing. As Carnegie said "no man is a criminal in his own mind". We can all invent our own private narratives to justify our actions whatever they are, even the vilest of murderers. We need to be judged on what we DO, and we need to judge ourselves that way.

[@LA-kc7ev]

The way the juxtaposition is set up is flawed. Introspection is not 'self-justification': what it is is many things, among them an 'objectification' of the self, an 'inspection'.

[@Dude0000]

That’s a Christian concept, ‘by their fruits they will be judged’. We’re all as unaware of our Christianity, as we are about breathing.

[@ralphclark]

@@LA-kc7ev you are missing the point so badly it's not even funny. I only used the terms introspection and extrospection to delineate the difference between judging yourself on what you claim your motives are, vs the external effects of your actions.

[@LA-kc7ev]

And you would be right. However he does make assumptions from there that are incorrect and can steer people in a wrong direction. No worries. I felt the need to say what I did regardless of it being true that the external effects of one's actions are the first reason to then take a better look at yourself. Not everybody who does so becomes thus delusional. @@ralphclark

[@martiendejong8857]

captain obvious in the house

[@olgamarsh169]

I like how he is pronouncing Ukraine very slavic ❤

[@JesusMagicPanties]

For us Poles Serbo-Croatian based Balkan languages and dialects do sound extremely rigid and heavy although we all are "classified" as Slavic

[@theAllucard]

​@@JesusMagicPanties Slovenian is not Serbo-Croatian, it is a cross between Western Slavic languages and South Slavic languages, most similar to Slovak, according to some linguists.

[@JesusMagicPanties]

@@theAllucard Okay, I'm not going to argue , just based on what wiki says about that... However , as a Pole I can speak in Polish to a Slovak, he can speak Slovakian to me - and we understand each other in 90 %. With Slovenian people that is not the case.😄

[@theAllucard]

@@JesusMagicPanties Yeah I'm not arguing either 😅 I just like linguistics and I'm a Serbo-Croatian speaker. I can understand Macedonian and Bulgarian (not to the same extent as Macedonian) the same way you can Slovakian, but with Slovene it's much harder.

[@JesusMagicPanties]

@@theAllucard Serbo-Croatian is in some way more difficult at a basic level for a Pole than even Germanic languages because it is confusing: many words sound identical or familiar, but have pretty much different meanings in both languages. I just realized that I am so old that I remember the (then Yugoslavian) band 'Bijelo Dugme'. Very energetic and powerful rock and roll colored with Balkan folklore. Best regards from PL

[@pete7110]

Spot on Žižek, we live in dangerous times

[@EstabanGraves]

Baltic states….3 ribs in the mouth of the bear (Daniel)?

[@johnnyvh1188]

​@@EstabanGraves the bear in Daniel's prophetic dream(chapter 7 verse 5) was the Medo-Persian empire that would take over the Babylonian one he was living in as exile at the time. The times we live in now are more accurately described in the second letter to Timothy chapter 3 verses 1-5

[@valgehiir]

Oh really, I could tell you this. He voted Trump in 16 because Clinton was too radical. It's people like Zizek, well meaning dreamers who ruin the world.

[@seanpatterson5047]

@@EstabanGraves that's the silliest thing I have ever read)))

[@StjepanBrbot]

As Žižek said - naivety is dangerous thing! Believing that all this will stop by its own is naivety!

[@Tomislavr7]

He also said that Putin is to blame for telling the truth and others not understanding it and that it's his tactic or something along with that. Just a bunch of nonsense.

[@Cha4k]

That's why they call him the most dangerous philosopher.

[@DacianRider]

I love this guy ! ..sniff

[@fredking5448]

Zizek is so refreshingly right about this

[@nikosantikythera2422]

He’s a liar.

[@CemeteryGates17]

@@nikosantikythera2422 Fascinating argument, your 3 words, not quite convincing though.

[@sk-sm9sh]

It is so obvious that Russias plan after Ukraine is baltic state it's enough to just listen Russian media and yet as someone who's from baltic countries I meet so many people who just can't be convinced Russia isn't going to stop with just getting what they want in Ukraine. People say if Russia just gets Donbas and Crimea and they will be done. No they won't. If we listen Russia media we hear that Russian regime is preparing Russian public for invasion of Baltic states. It's there it's in their public 1st Russian tv channel. All you need is to listen - they are not hiding it. I don't get it why it's so hard to understand it for some.

[@dwl3006]

@@CemeteryGates17 Maybe watch Mearsheimer, Sachs or Chomsky if you want to hear someone who is actually right about this issue. Zizek has no clue. I never paid attention to him before, but now that I heard this generic whitebread take on such a critical issue, it's apparent that Zizek is not a serious intellectual. Zizek isn't refreshingly right about this, he's exceptionally wrong.

[@jessew7565]

@@dwl3006 You wrote more words but didn't provide an argument

[@TheGrun13]

Introducing Zizek by saying he debated Jordan Peterson is ridiculous. Really? Is that one if his greatest achievements? Peterson is nowhere near Zizek's level of intellectual greatness and moral fortitude.

[@Tea4Texas]

Thought the same.

[@edmann1820]

Me too. I wished he'd replied "Peterson debated me."

[@ZSd4cT]

Behold the Spectacle.

[@nickidaisydandelion4044]

Peterson is way more alert and pays way more attention to truth than Zizek.

[@danielnaylor7737]

​@@nickidaisydandelion4044I couldn't disagree more. Peterson is a lazy intellectual. He's a good orator... but a lazy intellectual. There's obviously no way of knowing that just by looking at Peterson himself though. His self-certified web of truths look brilliantly 'true' by themselves.

[@maciejmacias4111]

Thanks Mr Zizek, a true intellectual with a moral compass.

[@penelopegreene]

Now HERE'S a conspiracy I could really get behind!

[@KOIFishcat]

He borrowed his morals from God, and presents them as his own

[@AnthonyCarroll-ue3uv]

Intellectuals are cowards At heart

[@inabsentia439]

@@KOIFishcatNonsense

[@KOIFishcat]

@@inabsentia439 you are a walking nonsense

[@paulscousedownie]

He’s such a brilliant guy. Unique in the way he presents things. Extremely articulate in his explanation of complex human and political problems. I love listening to him! The way he speaks always makes me smile.

[@uuball]

Happy birthday Slavoj! :)

[@kanzeon7729]

Half an hour is never enough when Zizek is speaking

[@tonyr4873]

I could only take 3 minutes of that voice.

[@vazzaroth]

I love Zizek, and now that I'm hearing about this book and I'm about to go see if there's an audiobook... with all due respect, NEVER have I hoped the author is NOT the audiobook reader harder, ever before.

[@willhipp]

What an amazing man! Thank you.

[@user-ph5ys7ed7i]

🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦 The fact Ukraine has not taken delivery of much aid these past three months yet Russia's full 24/7 war economy is still only able to move slowly is astounding. The resistance of Ukraine is beyond belief. It cannot however last forever without scaling of European assistance and hopefully more American aid packages. This is borrowed time, but what it should demonstrate is that if the West shifts its weight enough to lean on the scales harder than it has before Russia can definitely lose this war. For now it is still up to the West, although the clock is ticking.

[@orthodoxserb6596]

Russia will not lose and Ukraine cannot win this war - you are in a great deception. The best way for Ukraine to win was not to allow this war to happen.

[@wadegoodwin6773]

I'm afraid there is no scenario you or your ilk can imagine of conjure up in 1000 dreams, individually or collectively where Russia loses this war. No amount of propaganda, secret agreements with your friends and family and all the wishful thinking will allow the West and Ukraine for so many practical and logical reasons (remember the science of empiricism), to win this war, regardless of the time period it takes. Grow up and grow into it, before its too late bucko.

[@warthunder9155]

It's not our job to fund their war.

[@marna7325]

❤

[@johnmartinmcsherry]

You are deluded.

[@Dougohere1]

The spirit of community is already here - so very true. When thoughts turn to achieving good outcomes amongst people in a group, then the spirit of community is awakened.

[@gringopapi6985]

We should force libertarian minded people to be part of our community

[@damjanm3585]

Great interview with lots of valuable thoughts! Hvala, Slavoj!

[@Anashadk]

Like 'he needs to use glue to keep his dentures fixed in place'

[@damjanm3585]

@@Anashadk I suppose you are talking about his stuttering.

[@Anashadk]

@@damjanm3585 No, I am talking about the unusual sounds he makes, these sounds indicate that his false teeth sit too loose or are missing (bottom jaw).

[@damjanm3585]

@@Anashadk I doubt that it is so but my advice, focus on the content of the interview. You will get some knowledge.

[@DerDop]

@@Anashadk your IQ test came negative.

[@Mahesh-TLYP]

Spot on, as always.. Though the bit about the Bhagavad Gita is sadly misleading: if understood as intended (proper commentary is essential), it is such an invaluable guide for life. That Himmler took its teachings the way he did, is not its fault, in much the same way it’s not the Bible’s fault that Christians (or rather, “Christians”) used it to justify all sorts of abhorrences throughout history. As they say, the Devil, too, can quote the scripture!

[@anuragshukla9214]

Bhagwat Gita's philosophical arguments are complete nonsense and it uses dogma to defend caste system.

[@tanjaosilic6641]

Chi sa come mai questo tipo chiamano un filosofo. Non sa cosa parla. Prende un po' di qua un po' di la. Non pare tanto normale. Invece quelli che gli danno una certa importanza sono dei ipocriti.

[@manpreetbrar838]

There not listening to us . Sanatan Dharma only obtainable by force ❤ india

[@TomNoles007]

​@user-mc8wi2lg2mThis is wisdom. It is something of an existential dilemma for myself (and I suspect many others) in that: I would really like to believe and be comforted by my faith, however it is clear that the bible was written by eminently flawed humans. I don't begrudge anyone who is able to believe. I have had child bereavement in my life and I yearn to believe I will hold my daughter again. I don't know. I wish peace for anybody who reads this, regardless.

[@crabconstellation5797]

Yeah, many more horrendous activities were done in the name of Christianity around the world than Bhagavad Gita. In that sense, Zizek's argument for "Christian Atheism" is not valid. Also, the main reason he's a Christain Atheist and is inclined to Christian values is because he was born Christian. I would've really liked it if his book was called Cultural Atheism or something else more appropriate, but I suppose he is promoting himself to a mostly "Christian" audience.

[@user-wm4hu6dy6k]

I like this man, and I want to read his book (s).

[@elvenkind6072]

Know any titles? I reccommend his "perverrts guide to..." documentsties.

[@ridge7524]

He sounds like he is very moral.I need to listen to more but he's right about the imperial march against the west and some here are helping them.That's not America First. .🇺🇲💙🗽

[@ewlchen]

Ladies and gents, this is one of the best interviewees ever. With the exception of supporting trump over hillary, he is spot on about the issues that face humanity today and how we arrived here. Describes exactly how the younger generations truly feel. One of the only few people who have the intellect and communication skills to speak the truth.

[@Eli-pe6ku]

I criticised Žižek for provoking with Trump in 2016. Unfortunately, many people took him seriously and voted for Trump. So shortsighted...

[@immukohonen7871]

I love this gentleman. I became a fan.

[@elvenkind6072]

Yes, a pure personality. Deep, uncomplicated intellect. ❤

[@tomislavcuric513]

Boljševik zizek

[@robertortiz-wilson1588]

Fool.

[@thetruthis24]

This gentleman is so cool. I became an air conditioner.

[@janeza382]

You are Christian or Athesit?!

[@PedroFerreira-ze5yp]

I feel as jiterry and affected as Slavoj after listening to so many years of ruZZian state propaganda! It really takes a toll on your mind! You start going crazy!

[@yuriy5376]

That’s the point: Russian propaganda is schizophrinogenic by design

[@BenRobinson1974]

We need a lot more Slavoj (and those with a similar analytical approach) in the discourse

[@tjasagustin3342]

Bravo! Thank you!

[@hrvojesvetec3058]

Dam!.missed out on ths awesome man..my new idol!😊👍

[@ginemginem]

A nice jumping in point would be to see his film "A Perverts Guide to Cinema"

[@GabrielLeni]

Fascinating

[@jefftarwood4594]

Are they crazy he asks. Why yes they are. And crazy like stupidity loves company.

[@sassora]

The winners create the history we learn, and Shakespeare plays a part in that retrospectively

[@CollectiveWest1]

Interesting that Zizek, who has provided leftist critiques of ideologies and of capitalism, is so adamant here about support for Ukraine and taking a strong position against the aggression of the Kremlin regime. I had not identified that group of 'Western Buddhists' he mentions, but I know what he means. I'd like to see Zizek talk with Tom Holland, author of 'Dominion'.

[@VerminaeSupremacy]

Slavoj is a very coherent old-school leftist, the dreamer and humanitarian type. One could clamp him with, say, the likes of Chomsky and Finkelstein, but the similarity is only skin-deep. Slavoj is from Central Europe. He has the local grasp and perspective of what empires and brutal regimes, left OR right, here were actually doing. He is not only ideological bordering lunacy and 63n0cide denial at times when it comes to talking frankly about their ideological beloved, but standing knees deep in this soil that keeps him connected with reality.

[@reb0tco678]

Almost as if there is no reason for a leftist to tolerate a right wing dictatorship manifesting its imperial tendencies

[@Dude0000]

That would be very interesting. I don’t agree with most of what Zizek says, but I respect him, and I love Tom Holland. The more I think about it and both their respective works, the more intriguing it becomes, to me. I put the responsibility on you to make this happen.

[@alexanderjames6020]

@@Dude0000Id love to hear about what you most disagree with Zizek about!

[@Dude0000]

@@alexanderjames6020 well, off the top of my head, communism. Seriously, though, why is that a problem? Isn’t that a good thing to admire and be inspired by someone that you fundamentally disagree with. I like to hear his thought process on how he got to where he is, so I can be more comfortable in my own position, but also because my views change constantly in a infinitely complex and changing world. We need people with alternative personality traits, as liberals are creative and open, conservatives are conscientious and dutiful. Leftists tend on the neurotic side, conservatives on the assertive/disagreeable side. Liberals start companies, conservatives manage them. That’s, broadly, what they excel at. Also why government is wasteful (liberals managing) and Corporations inflexible and stagnant (Conservatives doing the creative work). When the left says ‘Diversity is our Strength’, this is true, if they meant these things, diversity in personality traits, and ideas. Unfortunately, they’re (not all, for sure, including Zizek to his credit) going down the tribalistic route that is deep in the soul of every human’ internal animalistic core, of diversity of immutable characteristics. I’ll let you into a secret, since you got this far. I’ve not listened to him in depth for a few years, and since Trump has taken over everything, it would be interesting to see how he has responded.

[@geoffreynhill2833]

The unique quality of the Nazarene was that he understood how difficult it is for humans to be good. 🤔 ("Green Fire", IngramSpark, geoff nelson hill ) 🌈🦉

[@geoffreynhill2833]

Flame on, Slavoj !

[@evangelicalsnever-lie9792]

But he doesn't matter, if it's all made up Magical Woo fairytales.

[@martycrow]

Now listen to Zizek's exchange with Piers Morgan. Good too.

[@markoljubi4396]

i think you can not compare them, Žižek is not taking sides, he is only objective observer, while Morgan is more riding wave of popularity, not the real thinker

[@martycrow]

@@markoljubi4396 Zizek has taken to saying that he is a conservative Marxist. So he is 'taking sides' even though it is complex and ambiguous. BTW, I was not comparing Zizek to Piers Morgan, but the former's appearance on the latter's show. The idea that you could imply otherwise was irritating enough to make me reply. Enjoy!

[@calzonelover3950]

​@@markoljubi4396 Zizek is definitely more of a "real thinker" compared to Morgan but he would not call himself and objective observer, his whole critique of ideology is that you can't separate yourself from it to be impartial etc

[@danielknutson5402]

"Well, What do you think now of the French Revolution??" -- "Well, it's too early to say!" Love it, Love it. Bravo!

[@philjameson292]

Brilliant, on all three subjects that were discussed He has the ability to vocalise many of the opinions and thoughts that I have

[@AlexthunderGnum]

Bravo Slavoj Zizek!

[@tonyz766]

Remember, Trump was only President in U.S. history to have "secret meetings" w Putin w/o a U.S. interpreter present! Flash drives exchanged?

[@ClamMan1989]

Surely one of them had interpretation.

[@tonyz766]

@@ClamMan1989 Putin only. Against all U.S. protocol. In addition, Trump appointed Iverson 25, I believe, ppl to his " team" that did not clear secret service. Yet Trump pushed them through! He's a traitor in my book!

[@sidgarrett7247]

@@ClamMan1989Putin speaks excellent English.

[@ClamMan1989]

@@sidgarrett7247 Я те обещаю, что нет.

[@sidgarrett7247]

@@ClamMan1989 I don’t know Russian, therefore I have no idea what you said.

[@eirli1]

Deep good analys 😊

[@mojmejl6279]

Brilliant!

[@Delsbo]

This is the kind of discussion that we desperately need in Europe to get in shape for a new era. Mr. Zizek’s hologramic approach in relation to current affairs is brilliant. What is happening today is reliant on what we do tomorrow. 26:40

[@robinbreeds9217]

You do know this guy Slavoj Žižek' afew years ago i did hear him talk. Then i put Steven Bannon on and word for word they sounded the same. Point for point they said the same thing on economics and political. They both blamed Wall Street or both said the middle class are going it was as if one had been copying the other. Just because one is called left wing and takes loads of coke is he better, and the other is called right wing and is he to be hated as the media told you to hate him.

[@bushpocket8619]

Democracy does not work in a two-party system.

[@apyllyon]

living in a multi party democracy, i can tell you democracy doesn´t always work in multiparty systems either, still it´s far more preferrable over the alternative...

[@VeganSemihCyprus33]

For more wisdom 👉The Connections (2021) [short documentary] 🙌

[@berczigabor]

The problem is not how many parties you have, but when people band in political camps, and vote based on which party they voted for last, instead of evaluating their interests and values and how much those are reflected by the deeds of the candidates they can vote for. A two party system is the result of people not doing this "due diligence" and they banding together in rigid camps, not the cause of it.

[@Dralchemy]

Democracy doesn't work at all. We've just lived in economically good times where we were able to pacify people with rapid wealth growth. once the wealth growth slows democracy will weaken

[@janeza382]

In true democracy not everyone have right to vote.

[@TheNavalAviator]

Ngl, this is Zizek's best 1 on 1 chat to date. Dialectics at it's purest, pure ideology.

[@kathleenroberts6931]

Not too late, but, this is the time to stand up for FDR'S Social Democracy ❤😊 Vote as if your life depends on it, we've been through this before...Never bend the knee to a Tyrant ❤

[@BoycottChinaa]

Would have failed if the WW2 jobs program hadn't saved the New Deal from itself..

[@BoycottChinaa]

I support Ukraine, always have, because putina has not yet learned how dangerous his "friend" in the east actually is, to all of the world

[@cheriea7764]

FDR jr. Is a conspiracy theorist who believes misinformation, America needs honest politicians like Bernie, right now to save democracy Biden is best choice.

[@cheriea7764]

FDR Jr. Is a conspiracy theorist, America wants honest politicians like Bernie, but now Biden is our beat chance for democracy.

[@LarryFeinburg]

Did you watch the clip in it's entirety Kathleen? Zizek clearly says that there is no return to the old social democratic ideal...

[@christiangarcorz9182]

À réal great guy thinking deeply ! Bravo !

[@canitbu6217]

Absolutely Fascinating! To say the least. Incite insight!

[@stevenjohns-savage7024]

Okay I'm listening

[@ahartify]

I am not sure I agree with Slavoj ( even if I agree with everything else he saysk) about Europe as merely a 'museum' state. Where does China and the US buy all their high-end stuff from? Europe, of course! Planes, cars, military, technology, champagne, clothing, food, etc....

[@greenaum]

Selling mostly luxury goods is another example of being a museum state! Luxury items have cachet because of the castles and the great painters and dramatists and all of that. A Swiss watch isn't really better than a Japanese one, but they sell for more. It's the "chocolate box" part of European culture that sells all of these expensive goods. Stylish Italians and superior French food. The myth, rather than the modern reality. Of course Europe doesn't just make luxury goods, but those are the ones foreigners are most interested in buying. Britain makes lots of food but nobody would import it!

[@velvetimpulse]

Especially when it comes to industrial tech, worldwide, most of it is European.

[@elmarwolters2751]

Brilliant stuff , thanks guys

[@symbionet]

Nice to hear some new thinking rather than the same dumb down pro/anti opinions on things. Lots to mull over. Thanks times radio.

[@SuperMagnum2011]

Amazing interview thank you Times .. thank you Slavoj . Glory to Ukraine 🇺🇦

[@oldmanchiba]

I wonder what he thinks about Stepan B. or Mr. Hunka SS who was so dearly welcomed in Canada?

[@clearytheory8826]

Food for thought. Great of Times Radio to post this to challenge us.

[@patzan48]

The Genius strikes again.

[@clifford7594]

Bonkers.

[@uffepedersen4151]

Times Radio does a lot of great work. This is some of the finest. Thanks.

[@AlessandroZir]

thank you!!! I never thought I would see this conversation here; ❤❤

[@funki4896]

6:38 in what way were they oppressed?!? They had the same citizen rights, there were schools that taught in Russian everywhere and the media was almost completely Russian altough most Ukrainians are Ukrainian speakers. It's rather even the opposite - the Ukrainian speaking majority was oppressed. If you didn't speak Russian before 2014 you could be discriminated at your work, in school in the media and if you spoke Ukrainian some Russian speakers would even physically attack you. I'm not kidding. The majority being oppressed by a minority is nothing special - it happens in basically every colonial country like in South Africa where an even slimmer minority oppressed the indigenous majority.

[@user-uo7fw5bo1o]

I think Slavoj is talking about what went on in the Donbass district after Russia's illegal taking of Crimea and the rise of "pro-Russian separatists".

[@user-uo7fw5bo1o]

​@@user-mc8wi2lg2m In what way? In Republican run states in the US it's exactly the opposite!

[@Nethan2000]

@@user-uo7fw5bo1o Being denied access to other people's children is not oppression.

[@tekinfomedi]

The question was whether Ukraine as defined by Ukraine SSR was even truly Ukrainian.

[@e4arakon]

@@Nethan2000 Being denied access to sex education is though. It's a big driver of teenage pregnancies, self harming behaviour, lack of help in abuse situations and so on and so on

[@TomekSw]

Starts at 1:37

[@Gigamaxell]

Falling in love with philosophy beyond newtonian mechanics (there is always a "force" which meets a "reaction"), mixing itself with "superposition of states", "interferences" of quantum mechanics! Looking forward to "Orbitals", "eigenstates" and "quantum tunnellings"!

[@megana.6491]

Such a wonderful interview. Thank you for having Zizek on for this conversation.

[@Sharp931]

I didn't expect an X-files reference. 😂

[@Viktor-gk5ri]

Brilliant interview.

[@TanDeRamos]

Was struggling to find my philosophical compass but not anymore.

[@AustinChaston]

He has so much to say but is still so polite to the interviewer!

[@JohnViinalass-lc1ow]

terrific post, you two!

[@markoleary1601]

Sum GOOD points dude....

[@VicariousReality7]

When you say democracy, you actually mean a minority ruling class with divine mandate of being liked

[@user-go5iv1jp1l]

Long time ago philosophers were teaching youth to think for themselves. Now, every philosopher became influencer, politician and difficult to say are they playing crazy/ clever or some of them simply bad. I’ve listened to this one, and I do like him.

[@finnishview2933]

Interesting conversation indeed. Can agree fully what he said abt big corporations, todays world is controlled by big tech corporations.

[@XAdi77]

I feel bad to say never heard of mr. Zizek until now. I find this kind of discussions enlightening, like THIS is what we should talk and think about more often. I'' try to find more about him. Thank you!

[@ginemginem]

Try and find his film "A Perverts Guide to Cinema" I think it's a nice jumping in point.

[@sezwo5774]

Me too. Thanks.

[@Tymurbondar]

This is exactly what I needed to hear. Many public figures appear disconnected from reality, but Žižek really speaks the truth!

[@kathleenroberts6931]

Absolutely love Bernie Sanders ❤ The best of us ♥ Support Ukraine 🇺🇦, whatever she needs, fighting for their lives, their families, their homeland, their Democracy, & Democracies around the world 🌎

[@cdybft9050]

The woke cult says native Europeans have no hone. That they need “replaced.” YOU SAID THAT!!!! EVERY DAY IN YOUR WOKE PROPAGANDA!!! Now you change your tune? What a lie democracy is.

[@justtiredthings]

what democracy?

[@partymantis3421]

Exactly, the US missed an oppurtunity to choose the exact person they needed, rather than that bronze bafoon, Power to Ukrane & all democracys of the world , & may the russian people be free one day of Putin & his cronies.

[@MichaelMarko]

The Bagavad Gita isn't recognized as a Buddhist text. And Buddhism holds that Nirvana is actually here and all it takes is realization, very similarly to Zizek's take on Christianity in this interview. And Buddhism says not to do painful things to others because of the damage it does to the doer as well as others. I like Zizek and I never caught him taking such bad shortcuts before just to make a point.

[@thesaltinthesoup]

Slavoj is a great mind and I certainly agree on many things with him, yet sometimes I get the feeling that he only follows certain paths or directions in his Ideas why disregard others that are forcing themselves on to the person following his explanations. His ideas on moral and religion make perfect sense and are, as far as I can say, absolutely conclusive. Others seem to be taught through only in certain directions, treating questionable or debatable assumptions within his thinking as given facts. The topic I find this treat of his most obvious is Ukraine. While admitting that Ukraine maid many mistakes and there certainly where reasons to intervene from the Russian standpoint, he then goes on to claim that Putin without any doubt is an imperialist that will go for the rest of of post soviet countries if not stopped in Ukraine. While I do agree that Putin has an imperial mindset, claiming that he would go on to conquer the rest of Eastern Europe is an fix idea with utter disregard to the reality of the geopolitical situation on the one hand and the fact that the Russians where the only of the directly involved parties (the West, Ukraine, Russia) to bring an and to the conflict by negotiations. As John Mearsheimer says, one would need to provide evidence for the case that Putin thought this is desirable and feasible for Russia and such a case never stood firm against the argumentation of Mearsheimer. It is simply a fairytale designed to excuse the western imperialistic politics. And the reason that democracy is ending is not Russia. Democracy is not ending in the east, since it never was as prominent and embedded in the culture there. It is ending in the west, ending by erosion from within. Ending by corruption within the system, by the deep state, by remodeling the socioeconomic structure (techno feudalism), by erosion of Western culture mainly, rule by consent (corruption and lack of liability for political class), freedom of speech (corruption in media, political correctness or wokeness), the rule of law (constitution being undermined and bend by ruling parties). The west ist destroying it self while pointing the finger at others! This is our problem, not Putin. The western politics do not fear China because of their authoritarian style they envy them and will do anything to get the same grip on society China has on theirs.

[@speak-easyconversations1393]

Interviewers probably wiping their faces after this one.

[@MichelC2000]

Unfortunately for the argument, the Bhagavad Gita is not Buddhist

[@user-yh2pd6dp9o]

Yeah! He speaks the real bs

[@blascantu7221]

He didn’t call it Buddhist. He mentions Buddhism but he was speaking more broadly of eastern religions and Hinduism is an eastern religion.

[@MichelC2000]

@@blascantu7221This individual, in the same breadth, associates “top US corporate managers” who declare themselves Buddhists with Heinrich Himmler, the architect of the final solution, because, I am assuming, he is reading the Bhagavad Gita. Then continues to claim that both Buddhist and Hindu philosophies profess detachment from acts committed, which, in my evaluation, can only show malicious disingenuousness or utter ignorance of both. And, this person concludes that Christianity is therefore preferable because it is centered around love… Anyone who has read page one of any introduction to Buddhism will know that the core tenets of Buddhism are to do no harm and love all living things.

[@xXVeranXx]

​@@MichelC2000 yes, thank you! I found that really frustrating

[@ericpmoss]

@@MichelC2000 Regarding your last sentence, fine, but... is a religion/philosophy what someone wrote long ago, or what its practitioners do today? Half of America's self-described Christians are willing to "lie for Jesus", are happy to cast the first stone, pray loudly and publicly to be seen doing so, and would probably crucify Jesus if he returned as just another brown guy from the Middle East telling them to care for the poor immigrants. And they would say that he wasn't a real Christian. As for Buddhists, the priests in Myanmar are persecuting the Rohingya and have no trouble quoting whatever they need to pretend it is not a genocide. I think all we can count on is that people pick their religion to fit their politics, and their politics to fit their fear and prejudice.

[@SheeplessShepherd]

Would be interesting to see a poll in England and Wales for a return to monarchy over squabbling party's.

[@GD-L80]

Paradoxically, the only one who has truly understood Putin is only Macron. Simply unbelievable.

[@4mat4real]

If he is one of the greatest thinkers of our time, we are f*c*ed.

[@evaburnz]

I needed to hear this discussion. Mr Zizek (apologies but I cannot apply the necessary accents for his family name) is a rational and morally measured character who provides a direct and judicious assessment of religion, politics and various social structures based on their geographical regions.

[@vladdoliak5926]

Very interesting interview. The only problem is that Slavoj falsely stated that there was a persecution of the Donbas people. Such a fundamental misconception.

[@megaponful]

There was, not anymore since Russia is there now.

[@dlmb7328]

Thank You Sir for this enlightening discussion topic. Much food for thought! Well done to you and your interviewer.

[@FrozzenK]

with thunderous applause

[@j.2047]

wow and yet they call this brother a philosopher

[@elvenkind6072]

I love this personality, and the things he say's. ❤ can anyone reccommend any books of him? I've seen some documentaries by him that was lovely! ❤

[@arraakopyan5785]

Good interview ✔️

[@u2b83]

8:01 "cheat with truth itself" lol. Dude, if we need to hear lies to feel normal, that's a problem.

[@almighty1984]

"Just to conclude another important point, SNIFF!"

[@greenaum]

His sinuses are compressed by the enormous weight of his brain. He can't help it.

[@mariontoffan1943]

Wow how good - Putin as a dangerous illegitimate leader. The two of you are brilliant. Putin needs a long starchy dress to get into the role of his Czarina Catherine the Great. She's his alter ego. He needs to start to wear a lotta lace to bring back the 1700's.

[@mryouben]

Tx Mr Zizek

[@ericlorge3453]

Zizek doesn't realize it, but he literally just described the practice of Buddhism philosophy and meditation: 12:37

[@milosmitrovic3239]

When intellectuals fail to recognize and acknowledge the obvious, then it is clear that deterioration of that specific society is in full swing. Shame, such a shame.....

[@delhog6161]

A great video from the Times Book fair today. I see we had two books on sale today. I think it would be a great idea if there was a price tag & any promotions on a card next to said book.

[@Rtg5637]

JB said "minor incursion" into Ukraine is ok and a month later Russia invaded Ukraine

[@Kid_Ikaris]

10:22 the thing he's talking about also exists in Buddhism and Taoism. Another term for it is "involved detachment" though that usually has a more positive connotation. It can be used to find peace in a dark world. But it can also be used for evil.

[@StratsRUs]

Well done on this interview.

[@majorbrighton]

I’m sorry, yet you don’t seem to have given any thought to the questions you’ve asked. As if we are not already aware of the situation and how it’s developed after two years. Anyone who does not understand Putin lies and the injustice by now, should be asked to leave the room.

[@ac583]

Slavoj during the interview repeated several lies straight out of russian propaganda.

[@MichaelMarko]

Zizek did not debate Peterson. He babysat him!