Like you, I was a big fan of Hillbilly Elegy when it was published. I think I read it in 2017 or 18, as well as several other books that started delving into understanding who it was that voted for Trump. The movie was also excellent - talk about the triumph of an underdog! Why did you get blowback for liking it and who gave you shit about it?
I don't quite understand the Tiger Mom connection, so I look forward to your thoughts. I never read that book, but heard several Amy Chua interviews, and can't say I particularly liked her a whole lot. Let me make a potentially controversial observation. Is JD Vance's wife, Usha, a Tiger Mom? If she and JD met at Yale, you can almost be sure she was raised by a Tiger Mom. But now that they've "made it" is the pressure as high for their kids?
And a bit off topic, sort of. Do you ever read spiritual books (Bible not included)? I just finished a book that rather blew my mind and I've spent years studying Buddhist philosophy and canon, as well as newer more contemporary spiritual books from Ekhart Tolle, Wayne Dyer, Marianne Williamson and Byron Katie. The book is from the most unexpected of authors, Scott Adams. The book is called, God's Debris, and while I just finished it today, I'm still processing it.
I think I remember you posting some books you're reading about AI, and this is similar, but eventually delves into Simulation Theory (or hypothesis). I have The Simulation Hypothesis, by Rizwan Virk, in my To Read list on GoodReads, so I'll have to see how it compares with Scott's. It would be fascinating to be able to discuss this topic with others.
I'm finally circling back! Hope you caught my post after this, which covers Vance further and explains the Tiger Mom connection. So many people have given me blowback for liking the book, even people who have never read it. The tribalism of politics runs deep in America.
I love spiritual books and read them! Ekhart Tolle and Marianne Williamson I've both read, not the other two you mentioned. I've also read a lot on eastern traditions, hinduism, buddhism, and some on Islam, in addition to the Bible.
I will check out God's Debris! That sounds like a good one. I find simulation theory plausible, and I also like Dr. Andrew Galimore's Alien Information Theory, which shares some similarities with simulation theory. Though his books go deep into neuro and computer science and are at times over my head, I still recommend them.
I'm totally speculating, wasn't Vance's grandmother his tiger mother?
No evidence in the public realm to suggest anything about how Usha was raised, or how she's raising her own children. Her family's lineage is Indian upper caste.
Good call! Two Tiger 🐅 moms for him! I think Mamaw definitely qualifies.
In the book he just remarks on how calm and non-yelling Usha’s family was. How he found them very sophisticated and civilized compared to his own family.
Her parents are both highly educated and successful.
Interestingly, nearly all of the most lauded Indian fiction writers are from the Brahmins caste. Her parents would have had a very privileged upbringing as members of that castle.
Like you, I was a big fan of Hillbilly Elegy when it was published. I think I read it in 2017 or 18, as well as several other books that started delving into understanding who it was that voted for Trump. The movie was also excellent - talk about the triumph of an underdog! Why did you get blowback for liking it and who gave you shit about it?
I don't quite understand the Tiger Mom connection, so I look forward to your thoughts. I never read that book, but heard several Amy Chua interviews, and can't say I particularly liked her a whole lot. Let me make a potentially controversial observation. Is JD Vance's wife, Usha, a Tiger Mom? If she and JD met at Yale, you can almost be sure she was raised by a Tiger Mom. But now that they've "made it" is the pressure as high for their kids?
And a bit off topic, sort of. Do you ever read spiritual books (Bible not included)? I just finished a book that rather blew my mind and I've spent years studying Buddhist philosophy and canon, as well as newer more contemporary spiritual books from Ekhart Tolle, Wayne Dyer, Marianne Williamson and Byron Katie. The book is from the most unexpected of authors, Scott Adams. The book is called, God's Debris, and while I just finished it today, I'm still processing it.
I think I remember you posting some books you're reading about AI, and this is similar, but eventually delves into Simulation Theory (or hypothesis). I have The Simulation Hypothesis, by Rizwan Virk, in my To Read list on GoodReads, so I'll have to see how it compares with Scott's. It would be fascinating to be able to discuss this topic with others.
I'm finally circling back! Hope you caught my post after this, which covers Vance further and explains the Tiger Mom connection. So many people have given me blowback for liking the book, even people who have never read it. The tribalism of politics runs deep in America.
I love spiritual books and read them! Ekhart Tolle and Marianne Williamson I've both read, not the other two you mentioned. I've also read a lot on eastern traditions, hinduism, buddhism, and some on Islam, in addition to the Bible.
I will check out God's Debris! That sounds like a good one. I find simulation theory plausible, and I also like Dr. Andrew Galimore's Alien Information Theory, which shares some similarities with simulation theory. Though his books go deep into neuro and computer science and are at times over my head, I still recommend them.
Oooh so much to say! Reading this on my phone now, but going to respond in depth when I get back to my computer. Thank you for this excellent comment!
I'm totally speculating, wasn't Vance's grandmother his tiger mother?
No evidence in the public realm to suggest anything about how Usha was raised, or how she's raising her own children. Her family's lineage is Indian upper caste.
Good call! Two Tiger 🐅 moms for him! I think Mamaw definitely qualifies.
In the book he just remarks on how calm and non-yelling Usha’s family was. How he found them very sophisticated and civilized compared to his own family.
Her parents are both highly educated and successful.
Interestingly, nearly all of the most lauded Indian fiction writers are from the Brahmins caste. Her parents would have had a very privileged upbringing as members of that castle.