Over the course of two days, I delved into "Can We Make Truth Great Again?" by François Noudelmann. This essay, rather than a full-length book, offers a unique perspective on the concept of truth and its intersection with identity and cultural commentary. Noudelmann explores how identity culture has shaped the United States and influenced the dynamics of who has the right to comment on various cultural aspects.
The essay was not what I initially expected. Noudelmann draws on a rich tapestry of philosophical thought, incorporating ideas from Sartre, Existentialism, Camus, Zola, and Roland Barthes, among others. He examines how the notion of identity and culture has evolved over time, particularly focusing on the shifting boundaries of who can legitimately study and comment on a culture that is not their own.
One of the essay’s central themes is the concept of "alternative facts" and the subjective nature of opinions. Noudelmann argues that opinions are inherently harder to prove or disprove due to their subjectivity. This discussion reminded me of Yuval Noah Harari’s work, yet I found Noudelmann’s argument somewhat lacking. To me, facts remain facts, and ethics and morality are clear-cut when guided by science and reason within a specific framework. What some might call "alternative facts" would, in another era, simply be labeled as lies, disinformation, or mistakes.
Noudelmann also delves into historical events, such as the Dreyfus affair, and examines how figures like Camus reacted to injustice through works like "J’accuse." This historical context adds depth to his exploration of truth and identity.
"Can We Make Truth Great Again?" is an academic essay, distinct from the typical books I usually read. It assumes a familiarity with philosophers like Sartre, Zola, Camus, and Barthes, and uses the theme of identity as a lens to discuss broader topics.
I chose to read this essay for a simple reason: it was available on e-bibliomedia, the e-book platform offering free reads in the Canton de Vaud. While browsing, the title caught my eye, and I decided to give it a listen. I appreciated its unusual perspective, which was more philosophical than anecdotal.
Disclaimer: This was proofread by Le Chat by Mistral AI. Le Chat is not aware of the book so could not correct any misconceptions I might have written about.
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