In this podcast, we interview philosopher Dr. John K. Roth to discuss his latest book, ”Saving the American Dream: Meditations for Dark Times.” Roth explores the origins of the American Dream, its dual nature as both an aspiration and a nightmare, and the urgent calls to revive it amid authoritarian threats in 2026.
Our conversation links Dr. Roth’s Holocaust scholarship to America's ideals. Key topics include the Dream's roots in the Declaration of Independence and Constitution, its subversion by individualism and exceptionalism, and intersections with Nazi history as a warning.
Dr. Roth shares personal stories: his Fulbright lectures in Austria, Elie Wiesel's influence, and founding Claremont McKenna's human rights center. They critique politicization—from Trump-era rhetoric to Supreme Court decisions eroding voting rights—and debate global contexts like WWII atrocities.
About the Book
“Saving the American Dream” offers 10 meditations to combat poverty, corruption, and inequality: diminish poverty, grow jobs, empower education, promote pluralism, and more. Roth urges Gen Z resistance, echoing MLK and Marx: understand the world, then change
Author Biography
Dr. John K. Roth is Edward J. Sexton Professor Emeritus of Philosophy at Claremont McKenna College, where he taught from 1966 to 2006 and founded the Center for the Study of the Holocaust, Genocide, and Human Rights (now Mgrublian Center).
A Yale Ph.D. graduate (B.A. Pomona College), Roth has authored/edited over 60 books on Holocaust studies, ethics, and American philosophy. His work spans Fulbright lectures, visiting professorships in Japan and Israel, and awards like U.S. National Professor of the Year.
Purchase the book: https://kingsbookstore.com/book/9798385249206
Link to The Mgrublian Center for Human Rights: https://youtu.be/-UuX1xuaiiE
Link to The Avett Brothers - We Americans (Official Music Video): https://youtu.be/0MKm9TB9b6s?si=g3kshHngBHPQd480
Greg’s Blog: http://zzs-blg.blogspot.com/
Pat’s Substack: https://patcummings.substack.com/
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