📚 11 Books mentioned in "Saagar Enjeti: Trump, MAGA, DOGE, Obama, FDR, JFK, History & Politics | Lex Fridman Podcast #454" of Lex Fridman Podcast

In 2008, James Carville wrote a book that I always refer to, titled '40 More Years,' claiming Democrats would never lose an election again after the Obama coalition landslide. I was born in 1992, I watched red states go blue, I've seen blue states go red, and seen swing states change as well.

Saagar refers to the book '40 More Years' by James Carville, which forecasts that Democrats would maintain electoral dominance following the success of the Obama coalition. He uses this reference to highlight the changing dynamics in political power over the years.

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Now I have to return to Jim Webb's book, an incredible read that delves into the legacy of the Scots-Irish. War, that's the— Yeah.

Saagar discusses 'Jim Webb's book', referring to 'Born Fighting: How the Scots-Irish Shaped America', and emphasizes its valuable insights into the influence of the Scots-Irish on American culture.

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One of my favorite books is called 'Coming Apart' by Charles Murray, which underscores how the cultural environment that people experience while attending college affects their entire trajectory in life. It influences everything from where they move, who they marry, to their grocery shopping habits and the television shows they watch.

In the podcast, Saagar discusses the book 'Coming Apart' by Charles Murray, highlighting its insights on how the college experience shapes individuals' life trajectories, including their choices in relationships, movements, and even their grocery shopping habits.

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We were forced to read 'Essence of Decision' by Graham Allison in graduate school, and I'm so thankful we did. It's one of the foundations of political science because it lays out theories of how government works.

Saagar shares his appreciation for being assigned 'Essence of Decision' by Graham Allison during graduate school. He highlights the book's significance as a foundational text in political science, explaining how it effectively outlines key theories regarding the functioning of government.

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I've been deep diving on Genghis Khan. Reading 'Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World.' Yeah, Jack Weatherford.

Saagar discusses his current reading of 'Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World' by Jack Weatherford, highlighting his interest in the subject of Genghis Khan.

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That book experienced a renaissance in 2016 when 'Hillbilly Elegy' was published, which many may remember. He ignored the signs that he needed to stop and drop out until it became undeniable for a vast majority of Americans.

Saagar discusses 'Hillbilly Elegy', highlighting the book's resurgence in popularity following its release in 2016.

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And I actually think about that a lot from, you know, "Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire" by Edward Gibbon. Actually, your episode on Rome was fantastic. People should go listen to that.

Saagar refers to 'Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire' by Edward Gibbon while discussing how empires often experience a gradual decline instead of a sudden collapse.

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Two books I recommend are 'The Origins of Woke' by Richard Hanania and 'The Age of Entitlement' by Christopher Caldwell. It's effectively a religion, and its meaning varies among different people.

In the podcast, Saagar suggests 'The Age of Entitlement' by Christopher Caldwell as a recommended reading, highlighting its relevance in the discussion around wokeism.

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Roger Ailes, who is a genius, shout out to 'The Loudest Voice in the Room' by Gabriel Sherman. That book changed my life, too, because it really made me understand media.

Saagar discusses 'The Loudest Voice in the Room' by Gabriel Sherman, noting that this book profoundly impacted his understanding of the media.

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I really believe that Ta-Nehisi Coates's case for reparations in The Atlantic is one of those. It radicalized an entire generation of basically like white college-educated women to think completely differently on race.

During the discussion of the political divide, Saagar references George Packer's book 'The Unwinding: An Inner History of the New America', which he read in 2013. In the book, Packer explores the necessity for a candidate to adopt an anti-establishment stance, a topic that resonates with contemporary political conversations.

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I have an original copy of that book, which is one of my most prized possessions. From 1939, this was a 23-year-old kid, who the hell are you, John F. Kennedy?

Saagar Enjeti shares his pride in owning an original copy of a book from 1939, which is later identified as 'Why England Slept' by a young John F. Kennedy.

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He wrote a book in 1939 called 'Why England Slept,' which is still considered a foundational text that explains in detail why Neville Chamberlain and the British political system arrived at the policy of appeasement. I actually have an original copy, and it's one of my most prized possessions because this is a 23-year-old kid; who the heck is John F. Kennedy?

Saagar discusses the book 'Why England Slept' by John F. Kennedy, highlighting its significance as a foundational text that explains the British policy of appeasement during Neville Chamberlain's time. He expresses his admiration for the book, noting that he owns an original copy, which he prizes highly.

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