Social Cohesion comes up in 2 chapters across 2 episodes of The Higherside Chats Free Show, from August 2018 to August 2020.
State Cults and Social Cohesion in Empires
Knowles argues that the United States has transitioned from a nation to an empire, necessitating the use of mass ritual for social cohesion. He compares modern events to the "bread and circuses" of Rome, used to manage a diverse and sprawling population.
Personal Empowerment and Cultural Dysfunction in America
The hosts discuss whether individuals can make personal pivots to overcome systemic disadvantages, such as starting family corporations. Jeffries references Robert F. Kennedy's "ripple of hope" speech but notes that American culture has become fractured and dysfunctional. He contrasts this with Asian immigrant families who pool resources and respect their elders, suggesting that Americans' inability to work together contributes to their economic stagnation.
