Gay Activism, by Olavo de Carvalho

This series of newspaper columns by Olavo de Carvalho was collected in this order in the book “The Minimum You Need To Know So As Not To Be An Idiot”.

In the first article, "Hatred of Reality", Olavo argues that certain homosexual practices pose significant health risks and questions why such behaviors should be legally protected from criticism. He asserts the superiority of heterosexual relationships, which ensure the continuity of the human species, over homosexual practices that he views as merely recreational.

The second article, "More Than Predictable Consequences", critiques the proposed anti-homophobia law in Brazil. Olavo warns that the law could criminalize a wide range of behaviors and opinions deemed “homophobic,” granting excessive power to the gay movement and leading to a form of authoritarianism comparable to a coup d’état or revolution.

In "Have You Noticed?", Olavo observes a societal shift where opposing gay marriage or abortion is labeled as “extremism.” He criticizes the media and authorities for accepting provocative actions by the gay movement while condemning peaceful religious expressions, arguing that this inversion of values undermines genuine freedom and reason.

The fourth article, "Psychologists and Psychopaths", discusses the prohibition of psychological treatment for those uncomfortable with their homosexuality. Olavo contends that this prohibition obscures the distinction between genuine sexual desire and neurotic behaviors, ultimately protecting neurosis under the guise of legal rights and reflecting a broader societal confusion between reality and fantasy.

Feminism, by Olavo de Carvalho

This series of newspaper columns by Olavo de Carvalho was collected in this order in the book “The Minimum You Need To Know So As Not To Be An Idiot”. It comprises three articles that explore his views on gender dynamics and societal changes. In "Brief History of Machismo", Olavo satirically recounts historical gender roles, portraying men as having exploited women throughout history, reversing traditional narratives to highlight the absurdity of some modern feminist claims. The second article, “The Era of Masturbators”, critiques contemporary sexual liberation movements, arguing that the rise of sex toys and internet pornography has led to a disconnection from meaningful sexual relationships and a reduction of sex to mere orgasmic sensation, which he believes undermines genuine human intimacy. Finally, in "The Technique of Seductive Oppression", Olavo discusses what he sees as the dangers of modern legal and social measures aimed at protecting women, suggesting that they often lead to greater injustices, such as unfair treatment of men in family law, and contribute to the broader destruction of traditional family structures.

Petismo, by Olavo de Carvalho

This series of newspaper columns by Olavo de Carvalho was collected in this order in the book “The Minimum You Need To Know So As Not To Be An Idiot”. It comprises two main parts, each containing a series of articles that critique the political landscape in Brazil, particularly focusing on the Workers' Party (PT) and former president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. In the first part, titled “Lula,” Olavo dissects the personality and political maneuvers of Lula in four articles. “Lavish Praise” examines the exaggerated adulation Lula receives from both domestic and international media, comparing it to a false sense of patriotism. “Petty Kindness” critiques Lula’s selective emotional displays, arguing that his tears and public displays of empathy are politically calculated rather than genuine. In "Lula, Self-Confessed Defendant", Olavo discusses Lula’s involvement in the São Paulo Forum, presenting it as a clandestine organization influencing Latin American politics, which Lula openly admits to in a speech. The final article in this part, "Routine Act", highlights Lula’s decision to grant asylum to the terrorist Cesare Battisti, presenting it as consistent with his historical sympathies for radical leftist movements.

The second part, “Tradition & Strategy,” consists of five articles that delve into broader themes of leftist strategies and political maneuvers. “Nothing New” reflects on the predictable rise of corruption under the PT, rooted in a misinterpretation of ethical standards. “Excess of Delicacy” criticizes the naivety of those who believe that the PT’s involvement with international bankers signifies a departure from their revolutionary roots. “The Engineering of Disorder” explores how the PT’s social policies, particularly under Lula, have systematically undermined social and moral order to consolidate power. In "As Always", Olavo observes the diminished moral expectations in Brazilian society, where minimal adherence to legal standards by judges in the mensalão scandal is overly lauded. Finally, “After the Mensalão” argues that the PT’s corrupt practices are deeply ingrained in their revolutionary strategy, where the punishment of mensalão figures serves to protect the broader agenda of leftist dominance.

Discussion, by Olavo de Carvalho

This series of newspaper columns by Olavo de Carvalho was collected in this order in the book “The Minimum You Need To Know So As Not To Be An Idiot”.

In "The Origin of Dominant Opinions", Olavo critiques the superficiality of modern opinion-makers who form and cling to opinions without substantial knowledge or self-awareness. He argues that their opinions are mere reflections of societal formulas rather than genuine personal insights, contributing to a decline in intellectual rigor and public morality.

In "Brazilian Debaters", Olavo discusses the Brazilian propensity for argumentation, often characterized by a shallow understanding of logic. He criticizes debaters who skip foundational training in language and comprehension, instead relying on simplistic logical rules to attack opponents, which leads to illusory triumphs rather than meaningful discourse.

In "Debate and Prejudice", Olavo examines how debates in Brazil are driven by prejudice and the manipulation of public opinion rather than genuine scientific rationality. He points out that debaters often distort opponents' views to quickly garner public support, thus reducing debates to mere confrontations of biased impressions rather than thorough examinations of ideas.

In "Zeno and the Paralytic", Olavo reflects on the decline of intellectual competence in Brazilian debates. He observes that many debaters cannot distinguish between concepts and figures of speech, resulting in a superficial understanding of topics. This leads to a culture where the ability to articulate feelings is mistaken for genuine knowledge.

In "Mental Barbarism", Olavo recounts an incident where a baseless and offensive attack in an online discussion was defended under the guise of intellectual argumentation. He highlights this as a symptom of a broader decline in moral and intellectual standards, where even the most absurd claims are treated with undue seriousness, undermining rational discourse.

Language, by Olavo de Carvalho

This series of newspaper columns by Olavo de Carvalho was collected in this order in the book “The Minimum You Need To Know So As Not To Be An Idiot”.

In the first part of this collection, “Literature vs. Wooden Language,” Olavo explores the deterioration of intellectual discourse and literature in contemporary Brazil through three articles. In "Long Night", he laments the loss of genuine intelligence, replaced by superficial certainties expressed through a limited vocabulary of clichés. This degradation, according to Olavo, has led to a collective blindness where the populace fails to recognize the absence of substantial literature and intellectual rigor. “The Trigger-Word” delves into how these clichés serve as manipulative tools, evoking automatic emotional responses rather than fostering critical thought. Olavo argues that this reliance on simplistic, emotionally charged language undermines true intellectual engagement and critical analysis. In “Figures of Speech” (part of "The formula to drive the world crazy"), he critiques the prevalent use of figures of speech that replace rational debate with emotive impressions, leading to a superficial and manipulative public discourse. Olavo underscores that this approach to language stifles meaningful discussion and perpetuates a shallow understanding of complex issues.

In the second part, “Writers vs. Pretenders,” Olavo critiques the contemporary literary scene and the intellectual culture in Brazil. “Literature of the Lower Abdomen” criticizes modern Brazilian writers for abandoning the pursuit of truth and intellectual rigor, focusing instead on superficial and sensationalist themes. Olavo contrasts this with the dedication of past writers who engaged deeply with literature and philosophy. “Serious Matters” discusses the misrepresentation of Brazilian literature in international events, where mediocre and politically fashionable writers are showcased instead of truly influential and high-quality authors. Olavo contends that this misrepresentation diminishes the global perception of Brazilian culture. In "Conversation about Style", Olavo responds to a reader’s critique of his writing style, defending his polemical and unorthodox approach. He emphasizes that his style is intentional, aiming to provoke critical thinking and challenge the prevailing intellectual norms, which he sees as overly polite and conformist. Through these articles, Olavo calls for a return to intellectual integrity and a rejection of superficiality in both literature and public discourse.

Religion, by Olavo de Carvalho

This series of newspaper columns by Olavo de Carvalho was collected in this order in the book “The Minimum You Need To Know So As Not To Be An Idiot”.

In the first part of this collection, “Faith vs. Ideology,” Olavo de Carvalho delves into the enduring conflict between truth and ignorance through three distinct articles. In "The Forbidden Testimony", he draws parallels between the biblical trial of Jesus and modern instances where individuals are unjustly condemned by biased authorities. Olavo highlights the misuse of labels like “fascist” by those historically complicit with totalitarian regimes, emphasizing the importance of faith and steadfastness against such injustices. In "From Myth to Ideology", he critiques Brazil’s spiritual barrenness, noting the nation’s misguided belief that material prosperity should precede spiritual development. Olavo contrasts profound founding myths with false ideologies, arguing that the Bible, as the foundational myth of Western civilization, is essential for genuine societal growth. Lastly, in "How to Read the Bible", Olavo discusses the need for engaging with the Bible and other significant texts as profound exercises in self-knowledge and spiritual exploration. He contends that true understanding requires internalization of the narratives and an openness to discovering deeper spiritual truths within oneself.

The second part, “Persecution vs. Silence,” features six articles where Olavo de Carvalho addresses the persecution of Christians and the broader war against religious populations. In "Beyond Satire", he argues that Christians face global persecution, with violent acts in Islamic and communist countries and cultural marginalization in the USA. Olavo criticizes the media for downplaying these persecutions and warns that anti-Christian sentiments in the West indirectly support atrocities abroad. In "The War Against Religions", he claims that militant violence against religious populations is misrepresented by mainstream media, which perpetuates the myth of inherent religious violence while ignoring anti-Christian persecution. “Crime Makeup Artists” discusses the “spiral of silence,” where relentless attacks on an individual’s or group’s honor lead to their withdrawal from public debate, effectively silencing them. Olavo asserts that exposing the attackers' false respectability is crucial to breaking this silence. In "Bad Adviser", he criticizes Catholics and Protestants who prioritize politeness over effective defense against attacks on religion, arguing that public sins demand a strong response to deter further aggression. “The Fight No One Wants to Pick” examines the media’s role in shaping public perception by selectively reporting news, creating a “second reality” detached from actual social conditions. Olavo highlights the exaggerated focus on pedophilia in the Catholic Church as an example of this manipulation. Finally, in "One Hundred Years of Pedophilia", he traces the cultural and historical roots of pedophilia, criticizing modern movements and the media for scapegoating the Catholic Church while promoting a permissive sexual culture. Olavo argues that the Church is unfairly targeted due to its historical opposition to pedophilia and warns against capitulating to these attacks.

Political Economy and Justice, by Léon Walras

Political Economy and Justice, a Critical Examination and Refutation of the Economic Doctrines of P.J. Proudhon, Preceded by an Introduction to the Study of the Social Question. Guillaumin, Paris, 1860.

This is a book written by Léon Walras to refute Proudhon’s “On Justice in the Revolution and in the Church” (1858).