Why I Removed My Million View Video

As many of you have noticed the biggest video on the channel is gone. It wasn't KZbin censorship that got me but reflection on what the ethics of leaving this video up vs taking it down were as well as a crystallisation of what the impact of The Living Philosophy is meant to be. We talk about impact vs intention, why that video was removed and, when talking about the comments on the Jung antisemi video I explore a bit around my thoughts on where freedom of speech is possible. Hope you enjoy and we'll be back to more regular/new Muse-y type content from here on out.
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⌛ Timestamps:
0:00 Introduction
25:44 Turning Off Comments on Jung Antisemi
35:36 Patreon

[@TheLivingPhilosophy]

💚 Patreon: patreon.com/thelivingphilosophy ⌛ Timestamps: 0:00 Removing Pomo Video 25:44 Turning Off Comments on Jung Antisemi

[@taahakashif8327]

Heyllo

[@jacobreina9060]

I watched the video too. It was one of the most unique and crucial topics on KZbin and I say post it again! I had sent it to my classmate at the time too, because as university students we had both already noticed a lot of different, disturbing issues with the postmodern philosophies that are still dominating our universities. You were onto something very important, and whenever someone does that, they appear as a problem to some...but that's a good thing for the whole of society. These discussions are necessary to have, even if might they seem offensive at first (which personally, I didn't think your video was anyway).

[@bobbobbington1238]

Agreed. Those with constructive things to say shouldn't be intellectually stifled by the sensitivity of certain topics.

[@GrimrDirge]

I am disappointed. This was an important discussion which should not be ignored, but no one else is talking about it, save maybe James Lindsay. I knew I should have archived that video.

[@michaelmcclure3383]

Yes, James Lindsay did a deep dive into Queer-theory uncovering much of this kind of thinking there and they trace their ancestry to Foucault and the French School. The thing about James Lindsay is he looks in the right direction, unlike someone Peterson.. if he wants to look for Neo-Marxists he'll look at the Frankfurt School, not Derrida or Foucault. He gets a bit frothy at the mouth at times, but you gotta give him that.

[@michaelmcclure3383]

Yes, James Lindsay did a deep dive into Q-T and the likes of Gayle Rubin and so on. At least Lindsay looks in the right direction. He gets a little frothy at the mouth at times, but you gotta give him that, he is actually looking deeply into the material.

[@auggiemarsh8682]

100% correct, mate. It should never have been taken down for so many important reasons

[@Alejandroredgear]

Yes people are zombies it's a shame every bit of knowledge. Of every prospective. Side of angle and I haven't made a patron yet

[@Alejandroredgear]

Wait till I get results. Once that money comes in to all my knowledgable teachers u will get. Paid 😊

[@motownmoneygang]

bro you are overthinking. I'm a fan of you and never expect you to be perfect, and would never blame you for people for using your content to fuel their hateful beliefs. People believe what they wanna and love having scapegoats and conspiracy theories. I know you are aiming for showing people how to be more nuanced and aware, but its not your fault if the opposite happens sometimes. take it easy... perfectionism kills creation.

[@motownmoneygang]

itts better to just leave the comment section open and maybe pin a comment expressing your sorrow for the hatefulness

[@TheLivingPhilosophy]

I think this sort of attitude is why I left it up initially. But I don't think we can simply say that we are well-intentioned and move on. To me it's clear that the video was making the world a worse place and since it's in my power to change that I did. Maybe it is overthinking in which case I think there's a need for a lot more overthinking in the world today

[@motownmoneygang]

@@TheLivingPhilosophy I do agree we need a lot more thinking in this world today. And seeing your conclusion I understand your choice. But I had never heard about Foucault before that video and it opened me up to a bunch of new and interesting ideas. At the time part of my thinking was hyjacked by populist tribal things due to info spread by figures like Peterson and Musk, and I feel like it freed me from that a bit. But your other videos also contributed to that. I am thankful for your work and hope you continue to seek truth and share what you find, because I feel like thats what you have been doing. I just worry that you may be blocking yourself by trying to be too perfect. In the same breath of telling you how you opened up my eyes, I want to tell you how some eyes are not ready to be opened, and it's not always up to you. I think the people using your content to fund their hate speech would have found other content if you wouldn't upload. And if you wouldn't upload, I would not have learned. We are both just speaking from our point of view, and should actually research the data. What % of comments can be labeled as devicive or hateful? what % seems to indicate a positive impact? if one outweighs the other you'll know what to do. I guess my message is: don't be to hard on yourself. and: I encourage you to keep sharing thoughts and analysis. It's your content at the end of the day so do as you please, i'll stay subscriber 4ever

[@TheLivingPhilosophy]

@@motownmoneygang I really appreciate this further articulation and you touch on a very good point. My thinking is that the way to do both - make the content that explores tricky areas that still need to be explored - is to take up the old Platonic distinction between the exoteric and the esoteric and having such topics as that kept to more appropriate containers - the esoteric in this case being Patreon or paid Substack. Thanks for the support it means a lot 🙏🙏

[@ianturner9815]

Don't be censored by anyone. You are doing a fantastic job. I have learned a lot from you.

[@fernan2342]

You presented the case. What people do with the information is not your fault. I disagree with your decision but what is done is done.

[@ignamagan]

"If they don't understand you, let them study you. You shouldn't stoop to their understanding." Miguel de Unamuno

[@tedpikul1]

For what it's worth, speaking as someone who's fairly familiar with French "post-modern" writings, and somewhat familiar with the French intellectual/social/cultural scene of the 70s: I thought that your video was a well-informed, fairly sober-minded examination of the dangers of social competition and purity spirals on the part of people who really do know better.

[@emoon42]

dont let fear guide your actions. your analysis stands upon its own merits, and you explain yourself very eloquently. Let your work stand with you. thank you for all that you do

[@eleanorsopwith9806]

If only more influencers on KZbin could have as much integrity, sincerity and conscience as you. It’s refreshing to encounter in this day and age. It renews my faith in humanity.

[@Formscapes]

Everyone in the comments is saying you made a mistake but keep in mind that those people are not creators who have to subject their work to examination and scrutiny by hundreds of thousands of strangers. I've unlisted several videos before just because I felt like I've grown and that those older videos were not adequately representative of my current understandings or capabilities. You made your decision, so stick to your guns. But I would recommend this; Do it again. But better. Cover the topic in the way that you would do it now, and then let the feral KZbin mobs do as they will. They have not the slightest clue what it's like to be in your position, and their opinions are nothing.

[@Thrasalt]

Keith Woods vs The Living Philosophy: Keith Woods- •Irish •Makes Philosophy videos •Dislikes Jordan Peterson •Economically Left-Wing •rejects marketplace of ideas •Large following from Dissident Right •Nationalist The Living Philosophy- •Irish •Makes Philosophy videos •Dislikes Jordan Peterson •Economically Left-Wing(???) •rejects marketplace of ideas •Large following from Dissident Right •Pluralist

[@mesa9724]

If you want to use youtube and remain level headed remain critical of your work but stand by what you said.

[@stianvanwyk5465]

Shows a great deal of integrity to be able to reflect and take action the way you have. Would've been a tragedy to see you slide down that very tempting path. Can't wait to see what's to come!

[@TheLivingPhilosophy]

Thanks Stian! Hope all is well with you and the beautiful art continues to develop 🙏

[@dfryers01]

I love seeing people act with integrity. Taking responsibility for negative outcomes even though your intentions were pure. Great stuff. For what it’s worth I thought the controversial video was excellent! Shame about the comments. Keep going!

[@cjthex]

24:23 "it might slow growth it might hurt finances but integrity is the most important thing" I promise you whatever blowback you receive for this is a blessing in disguise. I remember watching the video and I don't think you're at risk of being too partisan and contributing negativity instead of nuance, your voice and your purpose are really clear and centered. However like you said, our culture war and our social technology has a real power to swallow us up and use us for things we do not necessarily want to be used for. I didn't see the comment section as things developed, but I believe you. It's a little dicey to take back something you released (and are still relatively proud of as a project) but when you're watching the Thing that YOU made continually generate that kind of degenerative discourse, one really has to take inventory about the things they want to manifest in the world and what communities are building themselves around you. If you know teleologically the tone you want to strike and the meaning you are pursuing, when your current path is not taking you to that place, dont blame the world for misunderstanding or for being unfair; Do Something Different. I realized this after my first year of making videos, and I then decided to slow down and deepen my relationship with my audience instead of expanding it, pushing them so they were much less comfortable looking at me like their cool new socialist queer hero that says all the things they want to hear. There is no shortage of pundits for all sides titillating certainty in people's pre-established belief systems. If that's the path to success before me, I do not want it. It's kind of an adaptation of Peterson's principle "Tell the truth, or at least stop Lying." If you don't like the audience you're accruing online, stop what you're doing. Do something different. Refuse success that doesn't come in the right shade of blue. For real. I know way too many content creators whos relationship with their audience is tinged with remorse and resentment and tension, because they signalled in some way that slotted them instantly into an ideological KZbin rabbit hole. I do think that something as simple as smaller digital spaces can do wonders to the tone of discourse. I think you should disable the comments and post the vid on Patreon. I'm able to express myself there with less fear of either fanning the flames of the culture war or recieving a deluge of criticism for thinking the wrong thought for half a second. One of the values of Free Speech must be that we can think about what we say and control how we say it. One of the harrowing things about online life is what it calls Free Speech is just decadence. What it calls Honesty is just blurting out what you think without regard for its effects. The choice NOT to say anything, or to say something and take it back, or to say something and then change what you say because it didn't generate your desired result, is all taken as a kind of hypocrisy or cowardice. It's madness, because these are elements of being a wise human being. I just want to encourage you on this journey as you try to walk the knifes edge. I have been speaking to a LOT of people who are feeling the same way. 28:45 Free speech requires a very conscious container ,and it's got to be very well managed, the town hall has gotta be very well managed for that nuance to emerge. Precisely. I don't know exactly what you should do with these videos specifically, it seems like tragic choices all around, but from listening through your reasoning i really empathize with your desire to be intentional and particular. I pledged to Patreon, looking forward to that book club.

[@KalebPeters99]

I really liked this comment, thank u CJ! ✨♥️

[@TheLivingPhilosophy]

Really appreciate the comment CJ you hammered a lot of nails on the head there. Your point about the tone to be struck and refusing success that doesn't come in the right shade of blue is one of the clearest reasons why I don't feel regret for the decision. I can see that where that video was going wasn't the right corner of the internet for me and I don't want to end up resentful and remorseful as you say. So it's a good time to replot the course. I've also been inspired by what you've created on Patreon and how that couples with the quality you are putting out on KZbin and it's a real inspiration. Looking forward to reading with you over on Patreon

[@Mon000]

Well...guess I have to start watching your videos now.

[@manzijoel5224]

​@@Mon000 Great, we got another one. Welcome to the X side.

[@Frdrck2.0]

There was such a great comment about a man that suffered his whole life with the consequences of pedophilia, he told his whole life story and it touched me to such a degree that it made me cry. I can't believe you fell victim to obvious trolls.

[@Frdrck2.0]

Whyyyy dude. That video was so freaking good and had so many good stories about people that were victim to this sick crime. Really?

[@Imabirdhaww]

Love your content bro. You have an incredible philosophical mind. I've learned so much from your videos. There's going to be a lot of folks that can't handle juggling multiple arguments and sympathies in their heads simultaneously while watching your discussions. But the work you're doing is super important and it isn't going unrecognized.

[@ericericson9031]

I appreciate you explaining your views and remaining truthful. Keep on keeping on.

[@caferacer714]

thanks for the vids and your objectivity regarding your work

[@arraiacc]

Disappointed the video is gone, but respect for actively curating your space to a degree that aligns with your integrity. I didn't find the "why" super clear in the vid in question but enjoyed it nonetheless as thought-provoking. The lack of clarity didn't make me second guess your intentions either, I had watched many of your videos prior.

[@bb1111116]

I have seen the deleted video about discussions about pedophilia in France in 68 & the 70s. I thought it was an important issue to bring up as it relates to Postmodernism and French culture. (As for Jordan Peterson, I put him aside since I see JP not as a philosopher but more as a propagandist.) PS. One way to deal with a flood of undesirable comments is to turn off all comments.

[@bb1111116]

Another option for ignorant and racist YT comments is to turn off comments.

[@YeS1711]

Jordan Peterson is not a propagandist, but says a lot about you to comment such.

[@bb1111116]

​@@YeS1711 ; it’s true there is a lot about me. I have advanced degrees in psychology for instance with years of private practice. So, I have an academic/professional basis for my views about Peterson.

[@YeS1711]

@@bb1111116 me too mate. And peterson was a lecturer at prestigious universities. And is highly cited more than many of his contemporaries. Respect is due. That he decided to take a stance in politics during am age where everything is both hyperpoliticsed and extremist doesnt make him a propagandist by intent. Rather thats a label you throw at him. You're free to do that. But it doesnt reflect the truth.

[@bb1111116]

​@@YeS1711 ; I have degrees psychology. So, I have an academic basis for my views about Peterson.

[@hamidmoradi1340]

I think you have a very interesting take on where JP is headed. I hope you could find a way to be that peacemaker.

[@RichardEnglander]

Please put it back up!

[@elena__sh]

I remember that video. It was nuanced and opened a new perspective on where staying true to your philosophy can lead. It was a great video, pity that you deleted it

[@michaelmcclure3383]

Thanks I think thats your gift James, to be that peacemaker. Don't stop riding the edge though.

[@TheLivingPhilosophy]

Thanks Michael

[@vdub6343]

I respect the decision to take it down. Some here have reacted against it, but standing up for your ideas can also mean taking the lesser of two evils (not unintentionally-now knowingly-being a vector of hate vs. hopefully getting some people towards a more nuanced perspective).

[@ignamagan]

I don´t remember very well the video, but the impression that lasted on me is of moderation, comprehension, perspective, etc. I thought it was valuable because it is important to reflect on that experience, and remember forever that children and adolescents must be protected. I don´t think you should "take a side" on that culture war you are talking about, but I think you made a valuable point on that video. That doesn´t mean to disregard all of Foucault, Sartre, etc work; you are just pointing out something they were wrong about.

[@chicliac]

You should reupload it with comments disabled mabie. It was a good video uniquely addressing a taboo topic, a rare thing.

[@bobbobbington1238]

This would be a good compromise, if one must be made.

[@andrewgibson5381]

@thelivingphilosophy Could you achieve your goal by changing the thumbnail and title? I personally got a lot of life changing value out of that video, I shared it with many people who did also . Each of your videos are jems, a public service in analytical thought. Whatever you choose, I support. During this existential crisis please consider the landscape of alternative content on KZbin. In this landscape you are by far one of the most rigorous, intellectually challenging and curious channels on the topics you cover. You deserve to be extremely proud of the work you’ve done. I feel proud simple being able to soak in and share your work here.

[@TheLivingPhilosophy]

Thanks Andrew I really appreciate that

[@rupertsmith9460]

Whatever decisions you make with the channel, including this one, there will be backlash so hold strong through it. I love what you do and thank you for gifting us with your wisdom and insight. You seem like a very thoughtful person who cares about other people, which I imagine will become very tough as your channel grows. I encourage you to not give a fuckidy fuckington fuck about what any of us think, ESPECIALLY me...we're all going to pull you into a thousand different directions - just do what YOU think is best! THAT IS THE WAY!

[@MrGuillaumzed]

Hi. I'm following your work since a while and just wanted to say i understand your point of view, even if the content was well made and interesting. I too won't stand having a piece of work i did being used to spread hate speaches (in the comment section and elsewhere). Or echo in such a way with some general anger you don't agree with/you are not confortable with. I fully understand how these reactions affected your psyche and I hope and believe your decision will help you going forward. (Sorry for all the typos - english is not my first language)

[@TomCarberry413]

Thanks for trying to explain your desire for transcendental peace making among the higher primates and your desire for nuance. (I downloaded the Peterson essay you mentioned and will read it). It probably works better in a discussion between two people or perhaps when talking to oneself. Others have similar (or maybe completely opposite) concerns, such as US supreme court justice Kentanji Brown Jackson in oral argument recently when she asked the Louisiana solicitor general, "My biggest concern is that your view has the First Amendment hamstringing the government in significant ways in the most important time periods." All thinking people of course accept the narrative given to us.

[@camilrath5990]

Your decision is great and valid, the video was great from what I recall but I can only admire your willingness to change opinion and act accordingly, keep on going my guy

[@kyleschauer989]

Any kind of agreement or disagreement is irrelevant here. You did what you believe to be good for your community at the expense of no one but yourself. Much Respect.

[@ThatMans-anAnimal]

You said the problem was the thumbnail, headline, and comments, not the video, so I request that you repost it with these elements changed. I respect that as a philosophy channel you don't want to be irresponsible or otherwise misrepresent somebody's position, but it doesn't really matter what their reasoning was, they did do something very wrong, and it should be covered.

[@elizabethduplat5998]

Tremendous respect for you.

[@cynicalist5869]

James, I have enormous respect for your self reflection on this. I think you've shown a lot of intelligence and humanity in your decision. I see that you recognize now the dangers of public engagement. You have , as Nietzsche would say, 'stared into the abyss'...but at least you chose to turn away from the dark side. I think that says a lot about your character. All that said, I do wonder why you perhaps did not see this coming. By now, and certainly by a few years ago, it was pretty obvious to me that Peterson was toxic, as some others in the IDW have become (the Weinsteins for sure). A Nietzschean/Foucauldian understanding of things, of the quest for power, would (I'd have thought) disabused you of your Habermasian quest for 'transcendent understanding'. I can't blame you for trying. And as distressing as it undoubtedly was for you, I think it was better that you didn't turn off the comments. I think you needed to see those. We have, in this age, come to suffer a lot I think from the parable of the Ring of Gyges. Anonymity, or perhaps 'invisibility', allows the worst to come out of us. Much like Plato's story the lack of accountability, the absence of presence in a debate, the erasure of name, allows us to say (and by extension do) potentially horrible (or at least toxic) things. At least in a 'letter to the editor' you had to put your name and address (or part of it). But now? Everyone's invisible. Everyone can say what the like without consequence. In a sense, Peterson's toxicity emanates from a similar place. The toxicity of someone who (sufficiently salaried by right wing outlets like the Daily Wire, commanding huge speaking fees) has achieved what Joe Rogan called 'escape velocity'...he speaks without consequence. Final thought, I do wish people would disconnect postmodern thinkers like Foucault and Derrida from identity politics though. Any cursory understanding of their central ideas would render the connection impossible. Greetings from somewhere else on the island ;)

[@juliawhitneybrown5485]

Your video helped me in a Tolstoy way. We can't- no one can escape the Janus face nature of life- at least not until Christ returns(which is petersons point I believe and what he is working to bridge as well with the tools he has available - his audience is just further right). That's why we need each other. The right hand AND the left hand. Thank you for your humility I think that's perhaps key to all of this mess. I'm an art student and studied picasso. Some of the most helpful works I saw of his were in his hometown in Spain of his work before he fully matured. Seeing his mistakes and crummy works gave me hope and showed me he was just human- not an idol or object.

[@Otochiro1]

Good luck on your personal journey.

[@robertortiz-wilson1588]

Are you thinking about attempting to do another video on the subject? Or a redo of the same video? Attempting to improve it somehow? If so, until then, would you be willing to leave the prior video up with the comments turn off, plus a changed thumbnail and title that matches the videos’ calm and explanatory tone? I feel that even if you did do so the subject itself would still make you want to turn off the comments.

[@davereckoning5910]

So, is it Love vs Power or Love vs Money? And what's it like to have your love disempowered by other people's hate? Online, there's so much money to be made from hate. And now that the intellectual playground is all online, rather than in books, what else is there left for people to burn?

[@musiqtee]

I saw the video too, but beg to differ as to commenters “being disappointed”. I don’t see your choice as “not standing by what you said”, but rather as a dialectically informed adaptation to realism. To me, this is more about the poisonous status quo of critical thinking meeting the power of SoMe and late modernity in general decay. Change is the only certainty, and realising that is never a weakness. Fear of change on the other hand, is one - and hate often follows those who carry fear… Your work and your insights do good - no matter what incumbent ‘influencers’ or the YT algo may prefer for profit. We simply aren’t just ‘rational’, in life or in every possible context. Knowledge, relations and dialogue. Peace…

[@pillmuncher67]

Have you read Ernst Tugendhat? His whole spiel is reconstructing Heidegger in an Analytical framework. He's really great.

[@TheLivingPhilosophy]

Never heard of him but just found a really interesting book by him. Might be worth a check out thanks for telling me about him

[@pillmuncher67]

@@TheLivingPhilosophy BTW: Do you know the Villa Tugendhat in Brünn/Brno in Czechia? It was build for Ernst Tugendhat's parents by Mies van der Rohe.

[@andresdubon2608]

Hey, good for you! It's great to hear you talk about how you've changed and see that you are aware and care for the impact of your work. Only proper from a living philosopher.

[@MikeTheCriticalGamer]

Which is precisely why the video should've remained up.

[@andresdubon2608]

@@MikeTheCriticalGamer It would certainly help as an illustration of progress on his part. That doesn't mean it "should've" remained up. He made his case quite convincingly and that's that.

[@MilkShake]

Oh shit... now i have to see it 😢

[@alejandroochoagonzalez1494]

Please repost the video. It was incredibly important.

[@jacob_massengale]

Please put the video on patrion. I still use it in conversations

[@TheLivingPhilosophy]

I will do. Makes sense I guess

[@ricochetsixtyten]

I think if we want be to real mature we have to deal with the fact that almost everyone who has contributed to society in some way will have some skeletons in the closet, its up to us to choose if we find it worth the time to be open to focusing on their ideas and ignoring the surrounding circumstances. I have learned alot from post-structuralists and I find their ideas worthwhile and its quite sad they were horrible people some of them, doesnt make their ideas less valuable though.

[@maverick_monkey]

Knowledge, deeper reflection and discussion often get secluded in the “luxury” of the academic world. In other words, it is mostly privileged people, in one way or another, who have access to, for example, reading and studying the works of philosophy. This can act as an audience filter - only a very specific group of people who have studied some matter in more detail will even know about it, and only those will then participate in discussing it. The internet has in many ways changed things up, “democratised” knowledge, but of course, in an imperfect way. What you are doing is immensly valuable because you make otherwise privileged, sheltered and exclusive knowledge accessible to a wider audience. This puts you in a difficult position, like that of a professor teaching a class of tens of thousands of students of different backgrounds and wildly varying prior knowledge, many of us skip class, and sometimes there’s a school gang that breaks in to interrupt and make noise. And then there’s the headmaster who wants you to work longer hours and weekends... Glad to hear that in spite of this you’re being thoughful and responsible and still want to do your job _well_ because you seem to care about your subject and… care about your students? Wow. Hats off! It’s definitely sad that you had to create an exclusive class for the “gifted students” with whom you can really work in peace and have healthy discussions with, it is a bit like giving up on the rest of the class - but of course, here we shouldn’t forget about the size and unmanageability of that class in the first place. I believe you know best what to do here, and I know you are genuinely coming from a good place, so I support your decision. It’s really a crazy position to be in. Thanks for what you do (and take care!)

[@user-oe3il6wi8g]

The thing is that Philosophy is potentially anything that a thinking mind can think about "sein" or life, put it in a context of order, create new terms, even a new world. Philosophy is for thinkers not for doers though. Any philosophical idea that includes action is politics (or religion). If many share the same idea or agree with it means it's easy to coprehend, it's basic logic, or just convinient for the time being. But if it turns into a massiv movement it means it is "catchy" . Catchy ideas aim youngsters and oppressed. In this case , if the central political (economical)powers is positive and make use of it , we must be careful. Because we don't trust .

[@robertortiz-wilson1588]

I think it’s good that you want to promote helpful thoughts and discussion and not the potential opposite. However, as a grateful subscriber, I would still ask that the video be put back up. As you said, the thumbnail and title can be changed to reflect the tone of video content itself. Comments can be turned off, with an explanation in the description, if you feel that’s necessary. It’s still all up to you of course. It’s just that it was a really good video in terms of being a good summary into that specific topic and real historical event.

[@alunjprice]

Fair play to you for doing the Camino, I love Galicia and Santiago (Fisterra is a bit grim though), but I’m buggered if I’d walk it. Can’t you just block the bigots and anti-semites?

[@warisprofit1427]

What topic(s) did the video cover? And why is it so triggering?

[@markdpricemusic1574]

Philosophy as a set of propositions with truth -values attached etc is fine.... it can clarify a lot of things, prevent a lot of time-wasting on pseudo-problems. But philosophy as a way of life is a higher stakes game....as Dr Justin Sledge said, philosophy is a gateway drug to mysticism :) Which gets really weird and interesting when it is atheist/agnositic mysticism. Good luck to you Sir, I'm sure you will find a way or make a way.

[@obadiah60623]

There is little room for social discourse on social media. Before KZbin poetry, art and dance served as the primary ways to explore relevant social themes. St. John of the Cross, for example, wrote his Dark Night of the Soul amd only after wrote expository prose, explaining its depth. My advice: write poetry first.

[@FerdinandZebua]

Maybe do a video titled/themed, "Foucault, Postmodernism, and Sexual Consent Politics"... as a re-tread of some of the more important issues of the issues tackled by that deleted million-view video. [/Just thinking out loud...]

[@FerdinandZebua]

...and also focus said video on how the Crypto-Right are quote-unquote "weaponizing" the '60s sexual dialectics in Paris to promote their (ultimately) false characterization of post-modernists as "dangerous, pedophilic devils". Or something...

[@BazookaTooth707]

That video was the reason I subscribed

[@daithiocinnsealach3173]

Unfortunately free speech isn't some inherent right. It's a social construct open to change and demise

[@Xanaduum]

Anyone else consider that someone twisted this guy's arm, given all the other stuff happening in the media at the moment? 👀

[@user-ud7fp3bi1j]

Perhaps a friend or girlfriend or family member. I would have preferred that he tell us specifically where the stricken video was in factual error.

[@Xanaduum]

@@user-ud7fp3bi1j possibly, some elements of the Left as much as the Right are pretty sketchy when it comes to silencing, or at least trying to silence people. I was also thinking of the amount of money Isreal is spending on boiler room sock-puppets currently.

[@yhvhsaves5197]

You just, single-handedly, subverted yourself, Scottie. #TruthNotLies

[@afoxasden]

For what it's worth, I found your channel through that video and I thought it was very sound and reasonable. I thoroughly enjoyed your critical yet empathetic explanation of the student revolts and what eventually led these intellectuals to defend such a horrific crime. You won't be able to control what other people do with your content (nor do I think that is the aim of such provocative and insightful pieces), you can only release the information to the best of your abilities. You may have people that will misconstrue or abuse the topic at hand but the vast (albeit silent) majority will engage critically with it, and I think that's the best outcome. There are thousands of videos anti-semitic people can use to justify their backwards logic but very few providing a deeper understanding as to why the French in the 60s defend ped*philia. Regardless, I hope you keep up the good work and ignore the internet dimwits with laughable (at best) media literacy, they're not worth the time

[@bobbobbington1238]

It's a terrible shame that you have done away with the video in question. I like your channel and I appreciate it's openness and willingness to examine the culture wars and other fringe topics in good faith, with nuance and without bias, something that is sadly lacking from the vast majority of social science and humanities KZbin channels. I can respect the reasoning behind your decision, even if I don't fully agree with it. The alarmist in me fears a slow and slippery descent into self-censorship. I fully understand not wanting to end up in the same place as Jordan Peterson, who has become a caricature of his former self. Likewise, I would be so dissapointed if, in your wish to avoid the same fate as Peterson, this space degenerated into another sterile, pseudointellectual breadtube-esque culture-critic channel, riddled with snark and self-censorship. I'm not saying that is the case now, but I've seen this happen to other creators and it's always hard to watch. The space you have created here is too valuable to lose. Anyhow, apologies for my little sermon! I genuinely hope that this channel you have built remains a place for open discussion, constructive criticism and living philosophy.

[@ianwebb9859]

I saw that original video and I have to say that that was the only piece of media that I had seen or have seen since that deals critically with woke pedophilia ideas in a nuanced way. Or rather deals with anything related to it in a nuanced or meaningful way. It is such a volatile topic (arguably with good reason) that it is almost impossible to find anything dealing with the subject that isn't it comically disgusting on one side or feverishly emotional on the other. Maybe I just don't spend any of my time looking for discussion on the topic because I'm pretty clear on my personal views regarding the topic (against childhood consent for participation in sexuality including gender reassignment for children) but I thought that video represented a really important way of talking about these ideas even if it didn't actually deeply address the topic in the way you had hoped. I think it would have made a great FIRST video.

[@merg-vh5sx]

Gender critical feminists said it first. Only it was written, not on KZbin, and very few people listen to feminists anyway.

[@throwMeAway9001-bx8lv]

Personally I didn't think the video was all that important and seemed a little bland. I guess I wasn't the target audience since I find the culture wars to be uninteresting. What I like most about this channel is that you have an earnest drive to learn and find nuance in all things, rather than trying to advocate for or promote your preferred viewpoint. That kind of attitude is hard to find on KZbin, especially these days. I can sympathize with how you feel about the reception the video was generating. KZbin comments have always been ugly, and they can take a toll on creators who aren't prepared to read them. I would suggest unlisting the video rather than removing it altogether, and possibly disabling comments. That way, only the people who go to your channel to watch that specific video can see it.

[@ThatMans-anAnimal]

"Intention isn't all that matters, and the outcome really does matter, you really have to think about the impact you have on the world." Same goes for approving of pedophilia, right? And isn't that a hateful act, in and of itself? I think you're being too understanding.

[@martypines9704]

To be fair, I avoided that video as the title was a bit off-putting - it was like it was starting off with an attention grabbing accusation. On reflection I should have realised it would have been as balanced and thorough as your work always is. Unfortunatley, it seems the wider your audience, the bigger will be the number of hate-filled bigots commenting on your videos. A small number of people with septic attitudes that seem to create a disproportionate amount of noise on the Internet. It's not you, it's them.

[@redlight3932]

Be strong

[@FerdinandZebua]

Maybe have a chat with Vlad Vexler the political philosopher on Vladimir Putin and post-truth power-politics?

[@6DAMMK9]

I take the videos as lectures. It is good to disable the comments, but putting down the video is a pity. It is free to put restrictions in the wild, and being unrestricted in paid area, like patreon or even nebula. There are "free speech", but there are also "fair use" of comment session.

[@AM-wr8hj]

Anyone got a tldw?

[@dawitabrham6574]

Don't be coward please. It was a nice video and there was so many deep comments provocative for discussion.

[@scottparkhurst5928]

You speak with such an appearant self assurance when referring to what some ppl have in their heads. Others hmmmm

[@enchantedashpd]

Hi, I hope you are doing OK. It's nice that you removed the video because you realized it was spreading hate rather than understanding. I appreciate that. I had watched your video about the petition a few months back. I don't remember it very vividly but you seemed to arrive at a point dispraising them (I remember a quote making a moral statement about the petition). I am very into post-structuralist thought, and I've read some of Discipline and Punish very recently. And I don't believe it is right to call Foucault (or Baudrillard for that matter) a post-modern thinker. Foucault, as he himself stated in an interview, is a modernist in the strictest sense. It is true that Foucault is mostly interested in the local rather than the global, but many other European philosophers and theoreticians from the second half of the twentieth century focused on the local and the micro as well. I believe that this general inclination towards the local doesn't arise from a general acceptance of certain philosophies (and yet, postmodernism is not a philosophy), but rather it echoes the conditions of post-modernity or late capitalism (remember how 'grand narratives' such as Marxism, the notion of God etc. failed in Europe after the devastating effects of the world wars and the dehumanizing aspects of neo-capitalism). More importantly, a post-modernist attitude would be against any accepted set of terms (and in turn, against this very notion and consequently post-modernism itself), and it is no surprise to anybody who have actually read Foucault that he actually likes his terms very much (for example the body, cellular/organic/combinatory/genetic power, politico-juridical etc.). In addition, Foucault's terms are neither products of neologism nor efforts of a reactionary project against Enlightenment as it is obvious that he makes uses of his terms in order to explain and focus on certain phenomena. In fact, I think that Foucault's extreme care in explaining the ways in which power operates reflects the frightening granularity of the very scientific systems that specialize on the body. All aside, it is not possible for any person to be a post-modernist, since it is not a category or a label; post-modernism is more of a state of being and sense rather than an ideology constructed through logical propositions. I would advise those seeking to better grasp post-modernism to read Linda Hutcheon's The Politics of Post-Modernism. Even though Althusser, Sartre, Deleuze and Guattari are leftists, Foucault is definitely not. Furthermore, none of them are woke in any sense. The fact that post-structuralist thinkers are sources for the contemporary woke movement must not affect their reputation to this extent. For me, the reason why the French intellectuals signed the petition is because they opposed the juridical perception of consent. They believed that the law deprived people of their ability to think and make moral judgments. It is possible that Foucault saw the law as further control of bodies. On a more crucial note, there is nothing easier than judging, standing up to, and reacting to what we consider as morally or otherwise evil. Acts of immorality are only the symptoms of deep-rooted illnesses and there is no use in treating the symptoms as long as the illness persists. It is better to comprehend first and then make criticism if necessary.

[@TheLivingPhilosophy]

Thanks for that. Very interesting comment

[@la8076]

Man i saw that vid getting recommended to me & i saved it for later Then i went looking for it & it wasnt there lmao i thought i was going insane ahhaha

[@vladimiratanasovski9655]

Man, you are making videos for You Tube. Cut off on the drama, for your own good.

[@eakherenow]

I saved that video it was one of your best.Jordon Peterson ? How unfortunate.

[@uberfeel]

Very cowardly move ngl, if someone/some group people are/were wrong with their belif, then call them out or discuss about it freely with no fear and shame.

[@kurts4867]

Don't ever apologize ..

[@DenkyManner]

I dare you to follow that through in your own life and then look back at the endless, needless problems you caused everyone

[@lotuscat3173]

​@@DenkyMannerit was specifically directed to people that don't care about you other than your mistakes, what problems that might cause brother? none i bet, never apologize to hate, always extend a hand to the fearful and never stop speaking the truth. Is that problematic too? what mantras do you follow that you judge others perspective on life? A simple "never apologize" taken out of context and in fact injected with your own then to be used as ammunition for your arguement is frankly, disingenuous my friend In other words i just simply don't agree with you.

[@HakWilliams]

It had probably run its course.

[@shakhster8382]

this vid could have been 30 seconds

[@websurfer5772]

Do you mind summing it up for me?

[@shakhster8382]

@@websurfer5772 10 x 3 seconds equals 30 seconds.

[@reellifeoutdoors2905]

You removed it because it damaged your philosophical ideology. I liked your videos and even paid as a subscriber until it was clear you have an agenda. This is further evidence to unsubscribe from your channel.

[@Thrasalt]

Message understood Channel unsubscribed

[@scottparkhurst5928]

Have you reached out to Peterson to offer a public discussion? You clearly seem to have little issue going public reading his thoughts. I am not an apologist of Peterson but I am big fan and grateful for your channel. Just think you have tipped the scales with Peterson. Your getting very JP heavy. Deep topic for a mod video self promo. Thanks

[@ob20103]

Personally I applaud your integrity on this. The video wasn't problematic in and of itself. However, it had become a canvas for people to project their hatred on. This video exploring 'process' left me feeling like this isn't an issue of right or wrong as much as a decision how you see yourself and what you are willing to accept. Thank you kindly.

[@no-ic5gw]

Im glad you are moving past Paterson. I frankly hate the man for what he has done.

[@turpinglipper9171]

I'm glad to see that video removed, it became a hate magnet for JP"s lobster boys. I too have re-subscribed now it's gone. All the best.

[@TheLivingPhilosophy]

And you're not the only one it seems. The silent costs I hadn't even thought about. Thanks for letting me know and I'm glad you're back onboard

[@surfism]

IMHO I think you are over playing the role of the shadow in your view of Jordan Peterson and Steven Hicks. Of course, it makes sense up to a point, but there comes a time when you have to take sides and fight back.

[@TomCarberry413]

War plays a central role in western history, including pedophilia, but western philosophers either don't discuss it or don't make it a topic of great importance. The postmodernists lived through WWII e.g., (Jacque Derrida 1930-74); Sartre (1905-80); Foucault (1926-84). Homosexuality and pedophilia play large roles in all militaristic societies, particularly western society. Because of their physical weakness women make poor soldiers, so militaries always have excluded them. Prisoner of war camps in WWII had men taking the roles of women (e.g., King Rat).The Old Testament, the central document in western culture, centers around YHWH ish milhamah or the man of war, also known as YHWH tsabaoth, or the lord of the armies. The Talmud allows sex with girls as young as 3, which rabbis must acknowledge as true but denounce as a form of antisemitism, while failing to notice pedophilia permeates western culture, not just Jewish culture. Militaries have always engaged in pedophilia, e.g., the Spartans, Numbers 31:17-18. Yet philosophers ignore this central fact of the western psyche. For example, Bertrand Russell went to prison for his pacifism during WWI, and later stood up against the Vietnam war. Yet he never discussed war as a central part of how we view the world and reality. Why do the US and its NATO allies engage in perpetual war and why do no western societies have any viable peace movements? I don't know why but I think about it. ("Man got to tell himself he understand." Kurt Vonnegut).

[@eli4478]

Thank you for thinking deeply about how to put out good things in the world but I think you are drawing the wrong conclusion. The real lesson is not to pay attention to the comments or turn them off. Really it's not worth it, there will always be ridiculous comments. Yes I realize the irony of saying this in the comments 😅

[@jf1341]

it doesn't matter

[@bathcat3759]

You are way in your own head my friend. Stop ruminating about what life should be like and live it. Dasein--you are not just your thoughts. You are connected to a world and a certain life flow. Balance your abstract thoughts with concrete realities. As of now you’re lost in the abstract, in the self, and we’re seeing the consequences. You’re rendering yourself impotent worrying about something that no one else is really thinking about. Everyone here knows that video wasn’t bad faith or in service of some political message. If you know what you’re doing is right, then don’t worry about others. They follow their own lead and are most likely not part of your community anyway. I watched that video, and I’m on the political right. I didn’t watch it and then subscribe because you dunked on leftists, but because I appreciated your clear knowledge of the subject matter. Also, the medium is the message. You will never be able to stop the workings and impositions of the internet. There will always be dumb, anonymous trolls. It’s just a part of the medium itself. Stop putting 1000% agency on yourself and none on them. I hate to say this, but I’ll have to unsubscribe if this channel just devolves into existential crises mixed with wanna be Contrapoints. I wish you luck my friend. I’ve found that balance works. Balance thought with the external world, balance your sense of individuality with obligation to others whom you love.

[@miguelangelous]

That’s Life… move on!

[@francpez7564]

So basically, you cancelled yourself. You didn't even bother to wait for the opposition to cancel you. For shame. Do everyone a favor, repost your video.

[@Xanaduum]

Who said someone didn't get to him?🧐

[@francpez7564]

@@Xanaduum I doubt it since there was no mention of that.

[@Xanaduum]

@@francpez7564 why would it be mentioned? If I was threatened or thrown money to take it down I'd presume part of the agreement would be, 'don't actually say that happened.'

[@francpez7564]

@@Xanaduum i doubt it. Just saying.

[@johannordkvist8247]

U Cut your Hair...

[@amanofnoreputation2164]

Peterson frequently critisizes the Left as "resentful" as though they hate tradition, want to destroy it, and are oblivious to the impending societal collapse this would engender and, to be fair to him, one can see how this would be the case given how dismissive they can be. But this understanding is ultimately a projection of tempraments Peterson doesn't understand very well. The Left does not want hate tradition for it's own sake in just the same way that the left is wrong to assume that conservatives hold to tradition for it's own sake. In fact, the left values tradition so much that they want it to _evolve._ Because what they hate is not tradition by the limitations _imposed_ by tradition that impede it's revitalization. The Left discards too much, but the conservatives conserve too much. Conservation is what causes traditions to die. It is only through change that they can really be preserved. And even someone as biased as Peterson can see the writing on the wall. But even in recognizing the need for change, he clings. If a change feels like it's too far for the right, it's not nearly far enough to serve it's function. If a change feels like it's not enough for the left, pushing it much further will bring chaos. If that is so, how does anything change for the better at all? "He who knows God has an effect on Him." My answer is intentionally cryptic because to give it away wouldn't accomplish anything. But, by way of a hint, God here is meant in the specific sense of the totality. Any oen view of the totality will not be partial but total. But maybe if someone, say, Peterson, could get the total view, then they would make real change. When I look back I realize thaat's always been the case with myself and it's a frustrating thing to realize when you grasp the implications of it for a number of reasons. But that's that.

[@forgotten1s]

This chnnl is crashing and burning and seems to be the creators fault

[@jammerchan6195]

unfollowed

[@DenkyManner]

You need to get mentally tougher if something like this can upset you so much. The tough guy act you're weeded to is paper thin

[@jammerchan6195]

@@DenkyManner Boooooooooo, lol

[@Tom-sd9jb]

Disappointed.