Human Ecology

In this follow up to the popular episode 14 with IPA researchfellow Cian Hussey, we apply Johann Kurtz’s thinking on social capital decline to Australia. This is the second episode discussing Kurtz’s pre/post-liberal ideas, after episode 12 on intergenerational wealth. We also go into the political realignment, immigration and social capital in the context of Covid and post-Covid life. You can get a better sense of the shift in our thinking and some of the fault lines on the right in Australia.Introduction (0:00)Cian’s philosophical evolution (0:23)Johann Kurtz’s essays on social capital (02:04)The Australian context: economic and social decline (13:05)Measuring the health of Australian life (20:05)Big law and big government (25:14)Class disparities and social decay (28:01)Centralisation of power and its consequences (31:03)The state serving ordinary preferences (38:05)Public choices concerns and using state power (44:08)Good vision and values for state power (50:04)One Nation, realignment and forming a new bloc of ordinaryAussies (51:29)Immigration and social capital since 2020 (1:04:47)Concluding thoughts (1:16:55)

If it seems like a lot of public debates are hijacked ordistorted, that’s because the Australian Government stacks the deck by fundingadvocacy groups who lobby for progressive causes. Jordan Abouzeid crunched thenumbers. We dig into his report, which leads to broader discussion on Australiaand emerging political forces.

Martin Fitzgerald, head of philosophy at Redfield College, joined me to outline some moral basics as part of a series on morality in an upside down world.

Is Gen Z entitled, or are they facing hurdles their parents didn't face? Are they as satisfied with life as other generations? Parnell Palme McGuinness, researcher at the Centre for Independent Studies, looked into what's going on with the emerging generation. Generation Trapped reportParnell's Sydney Morning Herald Column and X profile(00:00) Introduction(00:35) Research aims and findings(09:10) Going deeper on money and agency(16:42) Causes of the problem(21:28) Going deeper on the post-traditionalists(24:54) The female left-wing vote and the apparent inconsistency between preferences and votes(29:33) Wrapping up

I interview Maxim Smith, the 20-year-old author of The Preparation, a manual for turning boys into men, through character, virtue, skills, higher learning, hobbies and recreation. Maxim is half way through as the first to trial the the program, and already he's come a long way. Now his future looks bright - he's skilled, confident and has a good understanding of himself. A possible gap year, precursor or substitute for university, The Preparation is a program all parents of boys should consider.(00:00) Introducing Maxim Smith(01:59) A highly skilled 20-year-old(04:49) What is The Preparation(09:33) Building the modern Renaissance Man(12:35) Be, do, have – the three most important words in any language(13:42) A substitute for university?(18:38) What does Maxim’s future look like after The Preparation?(24:30) Fundamental differences between The Preparation and university(30:46) Costs and benefits of university(35:31) Role models and the patron-client relationship(43:12) Plugging the book and how to contact MaximGet The Preparation book or find the program's Substack, or follow Maxim's progress as he continues through the program.

On X, I described the report the Page Research Centre just released as "remarkable" - a genuinely pro-family policy agenda for Australia aimed at a long-term rebuilding of the country and the social fabric, and something that can offer genuine choice for families.We touched on how the research fits into the agenda set out by the Alliance for Responsible Citizenship (ARC) and Aspire here in Australia (see episode 13), and the broader social and political realignment in Australia. It also ties in with episodes 8 and 9 on childcare in Australia.There's a lot to chew on in this episode, I hope you enjoy it.(00:00) Introduction(05:16) The need to rebuild Australia; in the footsteps of the Alliance for Responsible Citizenship(13:14) Challenging current arrangements and narratives(19:40) The role of policy in setting the tone for the country and conveying value to families(24:24) Ultimately solving for one metric(27:29) How responsive will people be to the new policy settings?(29:39) Cultural and institutional change in childcare(35:49) The demand for, and trade-offs around, time with your children(41:36) Specific policy proposals contained in the paper(47:07) How the paper fits into the broader realignment in Australia(53:28) Finding Gerard and Virginia onlineGerard's X account: @gerardghollandVirginia's Instagram account: @parentsworkcollectiveEpisode 8 with Dr Gigi Foster on childcareEpisode 9 on childcare

We've had it pretty good for a long time - a high standard of living and a relatively safe country - but things are starting to slip here in Australia. Cian Hussey, Research Fellow at the Institute of Public Affairs, has been examining this on his outstanding and highly underrated Substack, No Permanent Solutions. He joined me to diagnose Australia's current ills, outline the trajectory we're on as a country, and provide his perspective on how to effect change.Cian's IPA page(00:00) Introduction(05:00) Meaning of 'No Permanent Solutions'(07:08) Australia's problems and trajectory(13:46) Australia relative to other countries(18:38) Deep roots of Australia's malaise(26:45) Views on trade, immigration, energy, speech and culture(49:48) Cian's view on change (59:00) Individual agency, organising and doing something(1:02:17) Concluding thoughts

Recently, three new organisations launched on the right of Australian politics, responding to political failure and the increasingly worrisome direction of the country. A very brief commentary from me on their launches, shared themes, and goals, while highlighting a few substantive points. More guests to follow on this important Australian project.(00:00) The three new organisations: Aspire, Rebuild Australia, the Surfers Paradise Institute(04:41): Common themes and a comment on trade and domestic economic and social policy settings(11:10) Focus for the next year

We discuss Johann Kurtz’s book, Leaving a Legacy, specifically:*the ethics of passing on wealth to your children*the importance of building family virtue and passing on a strong culture, and *an aristocratic ‘Benedict Option’(00:00) Introduction(05:38) Matt's opening remarks(08:50) Marty's opening remarks(15:08) Dani's opening remarks(22:24) Charity vs philanthropy, local vs global charity(45:55) Questioning aristocracy; an aristocracy of excellence(54:42) Family culture and an aristocratic Benedict Option(1:01:40) Modernity as a 'myth of normal'(1:06:40) Concluding thoughtsMy X account: https://x.com/mattsinglebrushMy Substack: https://humanecologyaus.substack.com/Johann's X account: https://x.com/JohannKurtzJohann's Substack: https://becomingnoble.substack.com

The best framework I've found for maximising willpower, setting goals to succeed, and competing desires.(00:00) Introduction(01:39) The will and competing desires(03:55) Desires vs demands(06:43) Realistic goals(09:24) Renouncing short-term desires(10:49) Bringing it together and concluding