Tavis Smiley Season 7 Episode 231 Robert Putnam, Nassim Taleb

In season 7 episode 231 of Tavis Smiley, two prominent intellectuals take center stage to discuss pressing issues of our time in a thought-provoking conversation. Robert Putnam, the author of the acclaimed book "Bowling Alone," joins Tavis to explore America's social and political rifts that threaten to tear the country apart. Putnam shares his insights on the growing income inequality, the decline of trust in institutions, and the polarization of politics along racial and cultural lines. He also offers solutions to bridge the widening gaps and reconnect our divided society.

Joining Putnam is Nassim Taleb, the author of "The Black Swan," who brings a unique perspective on risk management and uncertainty to the conversation. Taleb challenges conventional wisdom and argues that our reliance on statistics and forecasts is misguided and dangerous. He offers a revolutionary approach to dealing with unpredictable events, which he calls "antifragility." Taleb also shares his views on the current political landscape, the rise of populism, and the challenges of globalization.

Throughout the episode, Tavis skillfully moderates the discussion, weaving together the diverse views of Putnam and Taleb, and highlighting the areas of agreement and disagreement. He poses probing questions and challenges the assumptions of his guests, creating a lively and informative exchange.

The conversation covers a broad range of topics, from technological disruption to the changing nature of work, from the pitfalls of democracy to the importance of community. Putnam and Taleb bring their vast knowledge and experience to bear on these complex issues, providing insights that are both challenging and inspiring.

Overall, season 7 episode 231 of Tavis Smiley is a must-watch for anyone interested in the state of our society and the direction of our politics. It offers a rare opportunity to hear from two of the most influential thinkers of our time and to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges we face as a nation and a global community. Tavis Smiley's masterful approach to hosting a conversation and his ability to bring out the best in his guests make this episode a standout in the series.