Victor Davis Hanson, Part II: The Contrarian Agrarian | Uncommon Knowledge

Recorded in Selma, California, on May 11, 2023.
In this second and final installment of our conversation with Senior Fellow Victor Davis Hanson, we cover his writing process for his books and columns, examine how “World War II” has earned that name, and preview his upcoming book, The End of Everything: How War Becomes Armageddon, which offers four cases studies of civilizations that collapsed. Additionally, Professor Hanson discusses why Silicon Valley may be the most powerful political force the world has ever seen, outlines the future of the Republican Party and the Conservative movement, and explains how Donald Trump has changed both institutions forever. Finally, Victor (as he insists we call him), looks at the 2024 presidential race as well as US immigration and makes some surprising observations about his own life and career.
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0:00 Introduction
1:47 Writing Life
7:20 Projects, Research, and Upcoming Publications
12:54 When war goes haywire
18:09 Becoming a commentator
24:11 David Packard to Mark Zuckerberg
29:16 Silicon Valley + Political perspective
35:42 Donald Trump: Representation + Cases
51:11 Present day politics
1:00 Closing questions: Family + Capability of United States

[@donnix1192]

Victor is a great man, one of the smartest people in this country. He is an American treasure.

[@BartdeBoisblanc]

Along with Thomas Sowell.

[@sylvialand817]

Amen

[@gregorywade1559]

VDH - and all ne0-cons - are American traitors

[@noeladcock]

Well stated. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸A real patriot and historian. Priceless!

[@criticsrus6184]

My thoughts exactly!!!

[@cjm7685]

Thomas Sowell and Victor Davis Hanson are true National treasures.

[@Orson2u]

And they are friends.

[@trainerdisability]

My two faves.

[@trainerdisability]

I really like listening to Frank Farudi as well

[@jackiechilds8047]

Sowell is silenced by none other than the great American black Democrat

[@b.alexanderjohnstone9774]

And not only the American nation. I'm British and we, those of us who know, love and admire too. I prefer to think of him as a possession of the English speaking world, a possession for all time like Thucydides.

[@davek2906]

Part III -- we need it now, Peter. And maybe a IV, V, and VI. VDH is a national treasure.

[@jascharl]

He has a podcast, 3-4 times a week. Tons of info there.

[@esterhudson5104]

👏👏

[@deejay8ch]

International treasure

[@posseeANNA]

Coming from a tax paying & hard working average citizen with calloused hands, I found this podcast thoroughly captivating and thought provoking.

[@danevans2397]

I need Mr. Hanson to remain alive, well, and sharp for at least 20 more years. Please take care of yourself, Victor. You are a father figure to so many patriotic Americans.

[@aurockscastillo5460]

Racist Americans be honest.

[@Dan-sc9lq]

I just tonight found out that his 27y/o dau died in 2014. She was brilliant like her father. How sad for her family.

[@jimhodgson3407]

❤😅Hu hj8m8887umuuk7

[@kendallmcguire]

Same 🎉❤

[@sjpendola]

I never get tired of hearing VDH! His wisdom is extremely welcomed in today's world. If only more would tune in!!!

[@annarocha3254]

Gotta appreciate Mr. VDH. And Peter Robinson will forever be my favorite host.

[@gnoufignon]

After Brian Lamb, of course

[@dadsonworldwide3238]

Victor gets it and the people in America

[@esterhudson5104]

A remarkable interviewer.

[@foxtrotjulietbravo5536]

Dr. Hanson is brilliant and Peter Robinson is excellent.

[@JonathanBotach]

What an amazing man, I hope he will be with us for many more years. And Peter Robinson, you are a delight!

[@mrniceguy7168]

I love Victor’s straightforward answer about writing so much. How do you do it? Well I don’t go out and can’t sleep well

[@timwhite273]

To transcribe - I don't bounce ideas off people or take in outside feedback. So the opinions you hear are baked in vdh isolation. Listener be ware.

[@warnerchandler9826]

​@@timwhite273Very cynical: unduly cynical, in my opinion. Guaranteed he has read and researched more than you, more than most, about any topic he addresses.

[@MFJoneser]

😅💯

[@mellincoln1619]

I watch every show spotlighting Victor Davis Hanson. I can't get enough of his genuine humbleness and good sense.

[@EricM_001]

"All these problems are self-inflicted." Well said.

[@6663000]

The wisest man in the world, and the best interviewer in the world, together again. Excellent.

[@paulklee5790]

Greetings from the U.K. What a privilege! One of the few thinkers that give one a tiny glimmer of optimism… America is blessed to have a man like this amongst them… Thank you Hoover Institute… thank you.

[@kgyore]

God bless Victor Davis Hanson, he is a national treasure. Thanks for your teachings and hard work, sir.

[@sungibesi]

I keep watching Victor and think that I've learned a whole bunch about the way the world really is ... and then I watch another, and find I know so little.

[@gmb858]

I'm 72, soon to be 73. I understand Victor's point of view. He and I were kids that stood and pledged allegiance to the US flag every morning at the start of school. We are the children of the Greatest Generation that share the values taught to us at home and at school. We are the youth that were inspired (or shamed) by Martin Luther King's dream of his children being judged byy the content of their character and not by the color of their skin. We've watched the steady dissipation of our country since 9-11 and the advent of that sinister plague named Obama. Victor wants strong leadership to emerge; I am concluding that it won't appear. Ayn Rand said it best, ""When you see that trading is done, not by consent, but by compulsion, when you see that in order to produce, you need to obtain permission from men who produce nothing, when you see money flowing to those who deal, not in goods, but in favors, when you see that men get richer by graft and pull than by work, and your laws don't protect you against them, but protect them against you, when you see corruption being rewarded and honesty becoming a self-sacrifice, you may know that your society is doomed."

[@tlindsay1007]

I would add that when you see most people turning away from God, and making a mockery of Him and His followers...

[@gregorywade1559]

The Greatest Generation prolonged the Depression and got fooled into fighting a world War. They advanced the liberalism that destroyed America and the West

[@dean19641000]

😂yes, iam Australian, we don't teach children what is an Australian 😅 sad that we don't teach history 😢

[@knockemoutjohnjustjohn2763]

As for me, I think it best put in the bible, " And they will call good, evil and evil, good.. If that doesn't fit the world in which we find ourselves then I don't know what does. From Iowa...............John

[@RasheedahsWifeSchool]

I appreciate how Peter understands instinctively which things need to be explained. Many of his guests are expert in a topic have enveloped themselves in that topic that they cease to be aware when they are using terms that might only be understood by people in their own Circle, even factoring for good general knowledge and education. And then he explains it in a way that doesn't make us feel belittled.

[@NereoSal]

Thank you VDH, it's always a great pleasure to listen to you!

[@jonboy9912]

I have his book on the Second World War and have been putting off reading it for the very reason that I never thought anyone could find a new way of explaining the conflict - I will now have to get down to it! This man is a marvel and should be celebrated far wider in the American and Global sphere's. Marvellous conversation I sucked up every word!

[@alanaadams7440]

I feel like a sponge listening to vdh savoring every word and idea

[@joeschenk8400]

Victor Davis Hanson is a national treasure.

[@a.x.marcus4627]

This was delightful, thank you Peter Robinson. I hope Mr Hanson gets to live to 100 and in good health.

[@007.M-D]

The man is always so precise and calm.

[@bigwally2]

an anacdote for mr. hanson , my dad was 5th wave at omaha beach, he said when he landed he thought everyone before him was dead, his lieutenant, a young guy was killed by a sniper in my dads fox hole on the beach, bled to death in my dads arms, my dads 21st birthday....my dad drove a communication jeep,,,,off of omaha beach on to st. lo where his best buddie was also killed by a sniper and bled to death in my dads arms....then on to attatch to pattons rescue column to the battle of the buldge....and on to berlin when germany surrendered he was put on a boat for japan, he gamblded away all his money, thinking he survived one war he would not survive two...japan surrendered with my dads ship in the panama canal...the ship turned around and docked in manhattan...penniless my dad borrowed a dime to call my grandmother in newark nj to come and get him, she had no idea he was even alive......

[@fukluk88]

Wow, wow! Holy guacamole what a life story. If you don't mind my asking, how did he do with the rest of his life? Raising you and marriage. I mean, I don't think anyone would be surprised to hear he was an angry cynical, raging alcoholic and who could blame him but, it would nice and give hope to many to hear he found strength in faith and walked away from all of that and never looked back. I don't mean to pry. Just curious that if he went on to lead a semi-normal productive fulfilling life, HOW? I can't imagine. I have faith but, still. That is an AMAZING story and I hope he found peace after.

[@bearowen5480]

Yours is a great anecdote about a member of the Greatest Generation which Professor Hanson will surely appreciate. Thank you for sharing your father's story.

[@maggiealbritton8741]

Thank you VDH! Thank you for knowing and speaking the truth about America! And world history! I love your books, your knowledge and passion for American values and world history! God bless your precious family! Thank you Victor!

[@briantodd4887]

VDH is such an interesting and unique person. Kudos to all he does for enlightening us. In addition to all his knowledge, what strikes me is his stoic yet humble demeanor.

[@nurs1mate]

VDH is a hidden gem(for me). I was enthralled with his depiction of life on the farm dealing with illegal immigration when he was on Meghan Kelly. I searched him out on KZbin and am watching anything I find as well as added one of his audiobooks to my queue. Fascinating and intelligent man. Excellent interview!

[@rossmeldrum3346]

Listening to these videos, I stand in awe of the accomplishments and academic achievements this man has done in his life time. My respect for his intellect and knowledge grows daily when I hear him speak. If only more people would pattern their thinking after his, we would have a utopia.

[@bryanoldenburg9870]

20 years ago, I'd wait with bated breath! I'd wait for this brilliant man to appear on Milt Rosenberg's "Extension 720" (WGN Radio, Chicago). Victor would never disappoint, when he'd appear with the University of Chicago host! And to think he's been sustaining his rigorous work schedule all these years! Wow... what a LEGACY!

[@fehner27]

I'm just now learning about this man. I am listening to his lectures from the online courses at Hillsdale College. I'm enjoying his teachings.

[@cameronblack7984]

I absolutely love Peters interviewing style. Light touch but insightful, elevates the guest but still challenges and teases. Great stuff.

[@markanderson3376]

Excellent commentary. I always have time to listen to what Victor Davis Hanson has to say.

[@joanmsmith5561]

VDF is a national treasure. His calm, measured, and insightful and brilliant thoughts on politics, history is amazing. He's taught me more about ancient history than years of college could do.

[@Bigteddy552]

Always a pleasure to listen and learn from Victor Hanson. Wonderful and enlightening interview. VDH slow down and smell the roses of life before its to late.

[@katylake212]

I could listen to Victor talk forever. What a brilliant man, and more importantly, what a decent and kind man. Please, more videos like this! Just ask him questions and let him talk!

[@Billpeterson4785]

VDH is one of the great minds of this century

[@donnix1192]

Not an understatement by any means, he is the most important mind today.

[@foxtrotjulietbravo5536]

...and last century!

[@jamescole1786]

6/26/23; another great, informative interview with VDH. This is great stuff! Hope to see/hear more historical military & governmental comparisons & more current political analysis, context & exposure...truth & transparency. Stay healthy Victor, America needs to hear more of your observations. Very relaxing environment & conversational style, EZ to understand. A+✅️👍👏🍷😊

[@rose-mariefisk768]

The Aristocratic Class had to denigegrate the middle class to assuage their guilt over decimating their communities when they moved all the manufacturing jobs out to Asia. They had to "other" them. In order to still have a victim group to champion, a reason to vote for the very same people who helped move all those jobs away. They re-used the Race Card from the 60s. But Black population alone isn't a large enough group to make up for the white middle class they lost. The Black population percentage hadn't really increased in 50 years. Still 12-13%. Likely due to abortion centers in low income black majority areas and the persuasion campaign of acceptance & benefit. So they included every race other than white. Indian, Hispanics anyone who had a darker skin color as a marker of belonging. A tribal identifier if you will to band the group. Concurrent with this was adding the LGB class. When the goal of marriage was ruled in the Supreme Court it shocked them. They were not anticipating successful so quickly they needed another goal, another victim group to carry the victimization banner. So Trans people were added into the intentionally imprecise designation of "systemic repression" victimization status.

[@harsha123v]

Thankfully there are people like Victor who think and wrote wonderful books around Crusades, Peloponnesian wars, apart from refreshingly new thoughts on world War 2. I'm a random fan from India who thinks world War 2 was the main reason why India did get independence maybe decades earlier than what would have happened.

[@juliestephens5824]

Both of you are American treasures. Thank you for your excellent work and for sharing your thoughts.

[@STTPMASFTNE]

If you could release a new interview with VDH once a month, that’d be great.

[@Im1withU]

Great interview. Great thoughts, reflections, insights. Thank You both.

[@vickystopp6302]

What a fantastic interview. Thank you to both Victor & Peter, so informative.

[@SuperHellonwheels]

I try to watch any VDH interview I can. I can listen to him for hours on end! I wish I could hire him teach my children history (I homeschool). I also enjoy Peter and his interview style! I truly hope there are more interviews with this great man!

[@fitzg002]

What an interview thanks to you both!

[@cherricrittenden894]

VDH is such an articulate speaker! He is thoughtful intelligent and insightful. As we’re of the same age and backgrounds, it’s rare that common sense and decency are acknowledged in today’s society.

[@vinasinaga9509]

I smile ear to ear everytime i see a new post from the uncommon knowledge with one of my most favoutire guest, press the like button immediately! Hope you keep healthy Mr. Hanson and keep the willingness to share to the american public your knowledge and wisdom in this time when they need it the most. Happy 4th of July to the greatest country on earth🎉🎉🎉

[@douglashatch5020]

Cell phone = fentenal of the mind. I will not forget where I first heard that. Nor will I forget the man who said it. Thank you VDH!

[@edjarrett3164]

VDH a national treasure. I see very few that can match his observation of both past and present trends. Has a history buff, he takes the observations about civilizations to the next level. Pretty amazing!

[@bearowen5480]

Not only as a towering intellectual and teacher, but also as a farmer, a hardworking man of the soil, Dr. Hanson is just the sort of future American that Thomas Jefferson imagined and advocated for.

[@alanaadams7440]

Just bc these silicon valley people are smart in one area doesn't mean they can dictate what we the people can say and do

[@unitedstatesdale]

Mr. Hansen motivated me to read and expand my mind. Im the smartest old bricklayer in town. Although Ill never attend his class. I FEEL LIKE ive been there. _Thanks Mr. Hansen_

[@mrlatino1964]

This man is a living legend, when he speaks you can't help but listen to every word. I have said it many times before, i can listen to him for hours. Mr. Victor Davis Hansen thank you so much ....

[@ktms1188]

I know people will who lived in the Central Valley, all the small towns doted throughout used to be full of Germans and swedes, no crime and amazing places to live. Now they are full of Hondurans and families from Honduras qnd Mexico. There's crime graffiti and gangs everywhere and all those of European descent are fleeing with 95% of the farmland being owned by large corporations who love cheap labor and don't live in the neighborhoods they are affecting. The neighborhoods now have American flags replaced with Mexican flags and bulldog gang members. If you don't know much about the Central Valley you should look up the Bulldogs and see what mass unlimited immigration led to.

[@jaysphilosophy1951]

Globalization in a nutshell

[@Real_Natural]

And mass immigration was allowed willingly for the sake of political power.

[@roberteckert]

Great Man! I graduated from UCSC a year before VDH. It was a horrible school but a very beautiful campus…so, being a jazz guitarist, I took most of my credits as independent Study. The only reason that I attended was I was a Vietnamese Nam Vet and was given $536/ month to go to college. I still practice and play 5 hours a day!

[@jjroseknows777]

Great interview. Victor may wonder if he shouldn't have written less but the world is better for his devotion to understanding and explaining history. Thank you, Victor.

[@martaalvarez4859]

Victor Is a gift to us all. Thank you for making his incredible wisdom availble to us.

[@rudyapodaca9341]

Pure class as usual from these two. Great discussion! Help!!!!

[@Mike-yg8ig]

VDH exudes goodness. And he is so intelligent it's almost hard to comprehend. How could you not like this fellow? I can listen to him for hours, and do.

[@kzoo4053]

It is a wonderful thing that so many people feel the same toward VDH as I do. I am older than he is, my life and nature is very different from his. My best compliment to him is that I wish I could really know him personally.

[@kenithandry5093]

I always enjoy your interviews and those with Victor Davis Hanson are great!

[@bearowen5480]

VDH is the quintessential American thinker. His grounding in the classics of Western Civilization gives him a platform of wisdom from which to speak convincingly about the problems that now face the Western world. Although he is seven years younger, i wish he were my uncle!

[@shawnmoore7666]

First they disparaged my integrity, saying I was selfish - but, I didn’t speak out. Because I wanted to be viewed as kind. Then they attacked my morality, calling me a hater - but, I didn’t speak out. Because I wanted to be seen as a good person. Then they savaged my ethics, calling me racist -but, I didn’t speak out. Because I feared being labeled racist. Then they decimated both my liberties and my country. And there wasn’t anything I could do, I had lost my voice.

[@stevenwiederholt7000]

There are VERY FEW books I call Must Read (because I HATE that phase) The Soul Of Battle is one of them.

[@heliopeixotoennes8g608]

Its absolutely important to watch reality being presented , thank you, lets wake up

[@mitchellhawkes22]

Victor is my Countryman. I live in another one of the MANY conservative zones of California -- Yuba County, north of our great Champion, Victor Hanson. The rural towns of Yuba, as is the case with Victor Hanson in Selma -- look upon California Governor Newsom with a jaundiced eye.

[@albanpepa1202]

One of the brightest conservative minds and speakers ever heard. He is a good writer but a better speaker

[@steveaylward3311]

With the exception of Thomas sowell he is by far the greatest mind of all time

[@gregmullanax4986]

VDH is a total badass. I love his work. Second World Wars is a fantastic book. I'm proud to be in Fresno County with VDH!!

[@pjoneal12]

Great interview of an even greater man.

[@Munce72]

Great work Dr. Hanson! Scooby snacks for you and Peter. My allegiance is to Liberty, the Repubic and Democracy.

[@alanaadams7440]

Wow what a productive man!

[@josephsimonetti665]

VDH never fails to amaze. I too want the US to pull out of this self inflicted quandary.

[@janelboth2932]

Thank you, Victor.Thank you, Peter.

[@jamespastore3597]

Victory Davis Hanson is a GREAT MAN! It would be great to have him as an advisor to our next Republican President. They should have a national holiday in his name now! Thank God for having him on this good Earth and for good, smart people (leaders) to learn from him. I had two AT&T repairmen at my house not long ago that did some work at his house and they said he was a very intelligent man and very polite.

[@sherbear8286]

VDH is one of the most honest, humble, knowledgeable commentators alive today. He’s a truth teller. Unfortunately, the truth is depressing and frightening.

[@sharonwhiteley6510]

Dr. Victor Davis Hanson and his grasp on history, and especially how we can draw upon it is phenomenal. I hated to see it come and a conclusion. There's so much more that this humble gentleman and patriot can help us with. His intellect and understanding makes him an American treasure. There should be a series of conversations with Dr. Hanson and Mr. Robinson is the perfect conduit. May GOD bless

[@mrminer071166]

Once again, the skull-headed grumpy Swedish grandpa blesses us with his reminscences.

[@lindashriber3185]

Dr. Davis Hanson is always so intelligent and articulate on so many topics. He explains things in ways that are understandable and thorough. Can you imagine his mind at work if he was the President? Unfortunately he wants to slow down, but we need his wisdom to continue so that sanity can be conveyed.

[@shanku13]

amazing interview, thank you

[@veselka16]

I had to stop and comment regarding Dr. Hanson speaking about his efforts in clarifying the value of Sherman Tanks. For someone to simply think beyond is very valuable. Valuable for themselves and everyone else. Thank you sir for helping guide minds to experiencing more. That truly is a gift and I appreciate the effort.

[@MFJoneser]

ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT American. What a joy to experience this interview. Thank you.

[@LisaBell]

I barely finished high school, I never attended college. With Hoover Institute & guests such as Victor Davis Hanson, I have been EDUCATED. Plus, many other scholars, scientists and thought leaders have increased my interest and peaked my mind. Victor Davis Hanson has the tenacity of sharing, passing along his great knowledge and wisdom. political analysis and most noticeably is his influence having an abundance of rare true humanitarianism!

[@lhamothondup8596]

VDH is my favorite as I love listening to him a lot.Thank you.

[@tlindsay1007]

As a Trump voter, I've been thinking just what Victor said about Trump and DeSantis. I swear, he's been reading my mind on why I prefer DeSantis as the next President! VDH is great. Humble, hardworking, well spoken, intelligent and wise. I wish him all the best as he moves into retirement and spends time with family and friends. He's earned it, many times over.

[@rickeeeddleman5614]

Fabulous series - Mr Robinson - Thank You Sooooo Much!

[@sharonoconnor7769]

VDH is a National Treasure, he is our conscience, our ethic, our inner compass.l read watch, and listen to him over and over again. God bless him.

[@swissgirlie1]

Give us more of Mr Hanson...can't get enough!!!!

[@lindaescue889]

I enjoy listening to Mr Hanson. He is so smart and correct in his assessments. I would have enjoyed taking a college class from him.

[@starsrhi2335]

I was a history student, and still stay tuned to it. I thought at the time I had a good history teacher. But I have never had a great mind as Mr. Hanson, according to his style, intelligent, and wisdom - as a teacher of all that is good in making right and moral decisions. Like I said, we need more good men like Mr. Victory Davis Hanson.

[@habibawebb8687]

He has so much knowledge and wisdom! I could listen for hours and hours! 😊 I have been learning so much !❤ Thank you! Great interview!!😊

[@neologian1783]

Victore Davis Hanson is a national treasure who's recognition is long overdue.

[@jgaffney6]

What a fabulous man. Thank you sir

[@hangvu5238]

Great writer VDH. Love to listening from him. Thank you

[@mariojorge9529]

Thank you very much!

[@Tony-ol4bt]

Thank you for your service.

[@dasglasperlenspiel10]

Just one of the best things to which any aspiring scholar you will ever listen.

[@victoriaallen8271]

Lovely life and farm. Thank you for your continued study. We need you now more than ever.

[@bruceholtermann9646]

So glad Victor is around to tell us the truth. May God bless this man.

[@johnosborne1873]

God bless Dr. VDH - a national American prize

[@kagnew6768]

I so appreciate the wisdom of VDH. I play Victor’s podcast for my 89 year old dad. ❤ Thank you VDH!

[@jamesdyson7126]

Excellent. Thank You Peter and Victor for this discussion.