One of the greatest minds, orators and civil rights activists of our time, Cornel West, was interviewed on NPR's Talk of the Nation yesterday and if ya missed it you have got to listen to it now, post haste, immediately, no excuses and no hesitation, people!
On air to discuss his new book, Living And Loving Out Loud: A Memoir, written with David Rizt, West captivates and enthralls through his rhythmic speech and unapologetic truth telling. A huge lover of art, music, poetry and literature, he weaves references to his favorites and offers kudos to the power of these art forms throughout the interview.
As should come as no surprise to any regular reader of this here bloggity blog, I am not a religious person nor a particularly spiritual one, and I have found myself in disagreement with him on at least two occasions, but when I hear Prof. West testify for the honor of all humanity--that's everybody on the planet--I enter into the Church of West!
The transcript doesn't even come close to giving justice, so Listen Now!
You should check out "Examined Life", its a documentary of a bunch of contemporary philosophers walking and talking - I bet you'd like it. Cornel West is in it (he opts for a ride in a car, but he's still talking)and I thought he was one of the highlights. It was playing @ the UWM Union for free a few days ago, but its run might be over with now.
Posted by: Chris M. | October 31, 2009 at 10:34 AM
I knew you were cool, but this puts you over the top. Cornel West is a national treasure. Part of me is kind of sad he isn't part of the current administration. Could you imagine having that brain in the machine? Oh, to dream of a forward-minded future...
Posted by: dwellephant | October 31, 2009 at 10:42 AM
Chris, thanks for reminding me about the "Examined Life" documentary. Just saved it to my Netflix queue! DVD release date is unknown right now, but it should be soon.
Dwelle, now you rank as über fantastic cool! I know, right? All our minds would be blown for the good if he were workin' for Obama.
Posted by: Mary Dally-Muenzmaier | October 31, 2009 at 11:26 AM