I had the privilege of speaking to
about his new book: Only The Weird Will Survive.The highlights of our conversation include:
Why I have a lot of respect for his accomplishment: the book is well-researched, largely apolitical, and non-prescriptive.
How the process of finding community is experimental and forward-looking, not based on an unrealistic form of nostalgia.
The need to take positive ownership and personal authority over technology, and to find others who do the same.
Michael has gone to great lengths to make sure he does not use his phone for more than one hour a day.
The value of initiation rites, especially for boys, and how these can be placed in the context of building a larger community network.
Michael discusses an interesting rite of passage that he created for his eldest son, and how he got many male members of his church to participate!
The importance of transmitting culture by adapting it to be relevant without subverting it altogether.
Potential plans for helping men as a personal coach based on the principles he has outlined.
If you enjoy this conversation, consider buying his book and subscribing to Build the Village, his Substack!
– Rajeev
Only The Weird Will Survive