Loving the World in Dark Times: Fearless Thinking from the Hannah Arendt Center at Bard College

Current research indicates that despite unprecedented levels of global connectivity, societies are experiencing an unparalleled state of metaphysical loneliness. This condition is a potent catalyst for political instability, making populations vulnerable to authoritarian and separatist movements. Political theorists explore the implications for democratic governance and social cohesion through Hannah Arendt’s freedom theory.

To discover how to recover joy in a loving world, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with Roger Berkowitz, Founder and Academic Director of the Hannah Arendt Center at Bard College.

Roger shares what led him to Bard College and Hannah Arendt. And how one of the most read political thinkers of the twentieth century might interpret freedom in today’s political landscape. His forthcoming book, A World We Share: The Power of Friendship in a Time Without Truth, is scheduled for release in 2026.

Original Air Date Wednesday, September 24, 2025

Tune in:

Meet Our Guest:

Roger Berkowitz is the Founder and Academic Director of the Hannah Arendt Center at Bard College, where he also serves as Professor of Politics, Philosophy, and Human Rights. 

He is an award-winning author and editor who explores ethics, truth, and political thought, including The Gift of Science: Leibniz and the Modern Legal Tradition, and is the host of the podcast, Reading Hannah Arendt with Roger Berkowitz.

The Hannah Arendt Center at Bard College will host the upcoming conference JOY: Loving the World in Dark Times (Thursday, October 16, and Friday, October 17, 2025, at Annandale-on-Hudson, NY). Register to attend in person or online.

Book: A World We Share: The Power of Friendship in a Time Without Truth, to be released in 2026

Roger Berkowitz—Hannah Arendt at Bard College:

  • The political philosophy of Hannah Arendt. {2:26}
  • Hannah Arendt believed humans have the right to live a meaningful life. {5:17}
  • Animosity toward bureaucracy, or the rule of nobody. {11:37}
  • Bard College became a space for Hannah-inspired conferences. {20:03}
  • Metaphysical loneliness can trigger political movements in the world. {26:11}
  • How to join a loving world gathering at Bard College. {30:04}

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Follow Roger Berkowitz:

Bard College Website
The Hannah Arendt Center for Politics and the Humanities on LinkedIn

Shareables:

“We are at the loneliest point in the most hyperconnected place in world history.” @LisaKamen on @HHTalkRadio Share on X “She believed in the need for a Jewish homeland but did not believe in the idea of a Jewish state.” @hannaharendtcenter.bsky.social on @HHTalkRadio Share on X “To her , there is no freedom without politics, and there is no politics without freedom.” @hannaharendtcenter.bsky.social on @HHTalkRadio Share on X “One-third of autistics were in the gifted zone growing up. It’s a form of marginalization in some ways.” @theprofessorsol on @HHTalkRadio Share on X

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