YouTube is a gift. A good amount of my time has been spent on YouTube and Wikipedia in recent months. These two sites have added a lot to my knowledge of world affairs and have exposed me to some of the thoughts and ideas of the very best intellectuals of our time and they have helped me form opinions on some of the key issues that matters. Its important that i document my current views and try to crystallize them as clearly as possible.
Persons whose ideas have been introduced to me virtually in recent times:
1. Noam Chomsky : He has been unarguably the biggest influence on me recently. For the parts of his arguments, which i can relate to and understand, i have no difficulty endorsing. His views on States being able to manipulate and control peoples needs and way of life and keep them passive and selectively informed through various means in "Manufacturing Consent" is worth knowing about. He makes a strong argument and with his encyclopaedic knowledge and insight helps in understanding the power struggles of those who possess the information in society. His views on Governments being violent organizations and one whose acts should always be watched closely and skeptically, makes complete sense. One particular video which i like of him is this where he explains what exactly is the purpose of education.
2. Christopher Hitchens : I like him more for his mannerisms and the thrill he brings while he is debating rather than his views. Some of the points related to the disastrous consequences of religious ideas and dogmas that he discusses so often completely makes sense. I admire him for some of the things he stands and fights for vehemently like "free speech", "right to a free inquiry" , "emphasis on scientific approach", "opposition to dogmas and hypocritical stances of organized religion" and yes his "fearlessness". With his passing away in December 2011, he will be missed dearly by the intellectual world. RIP.
Documentaries I have watched in recent times:
1. Cross vs Crescent (The story of Crusades)
2. Conrad Wolfram on making maths beautiful
3.Philosophy - A Guide to Happiness
4. The fall of Lehman Brothers
5. The perfect Vagina
6. Albert Einstein (BBC Documentary)
7. The Rushdie Affair
8. Manufacturing Consent
Contd....
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