Roger Scruton, the English philosopher, political writer, novelist, composer, etc., has just been knighted. So he is Sir Roger (as he long should have been). Jay points out that, within the past year, he has published four books, at least. The most recent is about Wagner’s “Ring” cycle: “The Ring of Truth.”

He and Jay end this “Q&A” with a discussion of Wagner. But before that, there is much more: Brexit; Trump ’n’ Hillary; Islam and Europe; trade and protection; nationalism and patriotism . . .

If you’d like to spend a half-hour with one of the wisest and loveliest men around, Sir Roger is your cup of tea.

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There are 6 comments.

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  1. Holmes Inactive
    Holmes
    @Holmes

    I always enjoy hearing Sir Roger Scruton’s take on things – Thanks for the interview Jay!

    • #1
  2. Dr. Steve Turley Inactive
    Dr. Steve Turley
    @DrSteveTurley

    One of my favorite philosophers! Always a joy!

    • #2
  3. drlorentz Member
    drlorentz
    @drlorentz

    I’m a fan of Sir Roger. Good news that he was knighted and most enjoyable interview. Minimal discussion of Trump was refreshing.

    • #3
  4. Pepe LePew Inactive
    Pepe LePew
    @PepeLePew

    Please make an intellectual experiment with me. At 28 minutes into your interview with Roger, you and he discussed Wagner’s behavior, in contrast to his music.  Now, imagine that part of the dialogue with “Trump” in place of “Wagner”.  You quite rightly appreciate art separately from the behavior or beliefs of the artist—-if those aren’t separated, we’d lose our love of many beautiful works.  Others apply similar discrimination to professions such as politics, where the outcome is desired though the maker is flawed.  It is at least a rational  approach to a situation where there are always less than optimal choices.  The lotus blossoms in the mud.

    • #4
  5. Freesmith Member
    Freesmith
    @

    As a fan and reader of Sir Roger (“Gentle Regrets,” “The West and the Rest,” “Beauty” and “Culture Counts”) it pains me to take issue with him, but when he agrees with Jay Nordlinger that Americans today seem to exhibit a weakness for authoritarianism I have to object.

    Americans are a patient republican people. We want to go about our business unhindered as much as possible and with little concern for big, impersonal matters like government. That’s why we hold the government that governs least governs best. We know how to handle direct threats to our way-of-life, but the threat today is gradual and sapping. It is, in Paul Rahe’s term, Soft Despotism – suffocating, amorphous but just as deadly to freedom over time as a conquering army.

    It is also a threat that contemporary conservatives have been helpless to beat back. Year after year Cultural Marxism, PC and the program of the SJWs has marched on, placing hardships on ordinary Americans who wonder where relief will come from.

    Imagine the villagers in “The Magnificent 7” perennially preyed upon by Calvera and his gang, never ruined but left just enough to keep going. The authorities have been unable to help them. When at last they go to the border town and hire Chris, Vin, Britt and the others, are they seeking authoritarian rule?

    No. They are looking for someone to help them fight back and win.

    • #5
  6. Jerome Danner Inactive
    Jerome Danner
    @JeromeDanner

    Holmes:I always enjoy hearing Sir Roger Scruton’s take on things – Thanks for the interview Jay!

    I second that emotion!

    • #6
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