Ben Stein on Society's Erosion, Forgiveness, and The Jeffersons
Forgiveness is an incredible gift, and if I could give everyone out there a piece of advice, it would be: forgive, forgive, forgive, forgive.
Imagine a world where parental guidance is scarce, and societal values seem to be crumbling. In this episode of 'The World According to Ben Stein', Ben Stein and his co-host Judah Friedman are joined by Gary Collins from SimpleLifeNow.com and Adam King, affectionately known as the prince of Pico. Together, they tackle some of the most pressing issues plaguing America today.
From the lack of parental discipline to the rise of cancel culture, they leave no stone unturned in their quest to understand the root causes of these problems. One of the central themes of their discussion is forgiveness. Ben passionately describes forgiveness as an 'incredible gift' that everyone should strive for, regardless of their background or beliefs.
He emphasizes that while we might struggle to forgive actions on a global scale, such as those by China, we must learn to forgive each other within our communities. The conversation takes a nostalgic turn as they reflect on 'The Jeffersons', a groundbreaking television show that tackled issues of race and class with remarkable foresight. Ben praises the show for its political brilliance and its ability to challenge conventional wisdom, calling it 'a show before its time'.
Gary Collins brings up the issue of modern parenting, pointing out the lack of discipline and guidance that has contributed to various societal problems, including the homeless epidemic in LA. He believes that permissiveness is a significant issue that needs to be addressed. Throughout the episode, the group engages in a lively and thought-provoking discussion that covers a wide range of topics, from the role of religion in shaping attitudes to the need for a change in elected officials.
If you're looking for a podcast that challenges your thinking and leaves you with plenty to ponder, this episode is a must-listen.