Penn Jillette: An Atheist's Guide to the 2012 Election | Big Think
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- Опубліковано 1 гру 2011
- Penn Jillette: An Atheist's Guide to the 2012 Election
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Penn Jillette rates the various candidates for the U.S. Presidency in 2012 from the perspective of an atheist.
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PENN JILLETTE:
Penn Jillette is a cultural phenomenon as a solo personality and as half of the world-famous Emmy Award-winning magic duo Penn & Teller. His solo exposure is enormous: from Howard Stern to Glenn Beck to the Op-Ed pages of The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and the Los Angeles Times. He has appeared on Dancing with the Stars, MTV Cribs, and Chelsea Lately and hosted the NBC game show Identity. As part of Penn & Teller, he has appeared more than twenty times on David Letterman, as well as on several other TV shows, from The Simpsons and Friends to Top Chef and The View. He co-hosts the controversial series Penn & Teller: Bullshit!, which has been nominated for sixteen Emmy Awards. He is currently co host of the Discovery Channel's Penn & Teller Tell a Lie and the author of God, No! and Presto!
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TRANSCRIPT:
Penn Jillette: Everybody seems to think that Obama is in his heart an atheist and in his heart a skeptic. The church he belonged to in Chicago is a whack-job church. It’s about equal to Palin’s church. Granted, he hasn’t been as religious as… do we know off the top of our heads the most religious president in history in terms of references… referencing to god… references to god and in terms of appearing in churches? Who the most religious president in history was? It’s an interesting answer and I got this information from NPR, so it’s probably not slanted in the way you think. The most religious president in history in terms of appearances in churches and mentions of the bible was Clinton.
Bill Clinton is the most religious president we’ve had. He beats George Bush hands down and he beats Carter, who we know was a born-again Christian. He beats him hands down. So Obama does that too. I mean at the 9/11 thing, maybe appropriately he read from the Bible. But you have two choices with Obama. You either believe that he is a man of Christ who prays for decisions in the White House, which he said he was or you think he’s a liar. And I’m surprised by the number of atheist free thinkers that support Obama and their argument is essentially, he’s lying about being religious ‘cause you have to do that to be elected.
I’m not happy with either one of those. I mean, Obama is wicked smart, he’s a wicked good talker, there is no doubt in my mind that his heart is in the right place, unfortunately I think that about almost every president we’ve had, but I think he wants to do good. I don’t think there’s any malicious quality to him at all. But I think in some sense, he’s a believer or he’s a liar. So one to 10? I rate him pretty high on the skepticism, maybe a six or a seven, but I rate him that way because somewhere in my heart I think he might be lying about being religious and that’s horrible. It’s a horrible reason to like somebody. I like him because he might be a liar. Horrible.
Question: Michele Bachmann.
Penn Jillette: Michele Bachman’s blasphemy is greater than anything I’ve ever accomplished. I have tried with friends to say the most blasphemous sentence I can possibly say and it does not come close to the blasphemy of Michelle Bachman saying that earthquakes and hurricanes were the way God was trying to get the attention of politicians. I cannot imagine a serious religious person reading that quote or hearing that quote and saying, “Yeah, right on.” It is solipsistic, it is opportunistic, it is cynical. It is deep and it is wrong and it is an insult to religious people everywhere.
For an atheist, it’s a burlesque; it’s a little bit of a joke you can dismiss her. But I can’t see it as an atheist. I see it through my father’s eyes, you know, my father was a Christian his whole life. And if he had heard Michelle Bachman say that, he would have looked away from the TV. The idea that you would lightly state that people were suffering and dying in order to, to prove that God was on the side of one politician is sickening. The only reason that Bachman and Rick Perry are able to say this stuff is because of a magic word. And this magic word is, “Christian.” And if you look back in history, the word “Christian” doesn’t really appear in the way we use it today until the anti-abortion debate in the ‘60’s. ...
For the full transcript, check out bigthink.com/videos/penn-jill...
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When Jillette first began performing, his mother told him to get a manicure because people would be looking at his hands. In response to this, he had all of his nails painted red as a joke. The one remaining red fingernail is in memory of his mother.
penn is the fucking man. logic wins every time.
GabeN for president
there will be no WW3
We would only get to WW2 Episode 2
Evan Scott XD
+enggi gg Very clever!
+Evan Scott one could argue the Cold War was WW2 episode 2
The Lonely Tourist true
"Are you really gonna throw a stone at the motherfuckers head because he worked on a Sunday to support his family!?" Lol perfect argument
+Samy Wats even Jesus argued that people should work on Saturday/ Sundays if necessary.
whatever you or any other christian thought about what your jesus did or said is not my problem
what matters to me is whether or not you try to take away my freedom because it somehow disagrees with your religion
11:57 Yes. So much yes.
18:45 had me laughing so hard I was crying. This is the same frustration I feel every time I speak with a YE Creationist. REALLY?!?
I've had someone use the mixing fabrics part as a justification for racism. And that's horrible.
Good to listen to from beginning to end, very inspiring stuff. Thanks for uploading!
One of the best videos I've seen so far
11:57 over and over and over again!! haha
+Shalice Pierre almost fell from my chair on this moment
just doing my job
11:55 It scared the shit out of me when i first heard it.
Outstanding video!
I love this video! It's so smart and compelling. Bravo!
Jillette for president!
It would be different!
mediamonkey93
We've had many non-religious presidents here in Denmark, they are as obnoxious as their religious counterparts.
Politics is mostly about making deals and trading power anyways ... there's little religion in it to begin with.
Still, while it has officially been a long time since we had a self-proclaimed atheist at the helm, our current crop of ministers may officially identify as mostly Christians, but they sure do act and talk like atheists. Our current prime minister, Helle Thorning-Schmidt, is no different ... heck, I don't even know which religion/church she's supposed to belong to, and neither does her wiki page. She's probably in a Lutherian one anyways, most are, even if they never visit it, nor care for it.
That said, Jilette would make an interesting minister. :)
Grumpy ol' Boot
Thanks for that info, I had no idea about Denmark's politics, and its nice to hear that both religious and atheist people can be elected.
However, this only reinforces the point that in other countries (such as the US), the fact that a person cannot run for office without believing in God is just preposterous.
I simply don't get why a religious person's judgement call would be any more valid/valuable than an atheist person's.
I could go on to make some unsupported claims here, but I won't for sake of pointless argument.
But yeah... the day an atheist is put in office in the US, will be the day that prejudice and discrimination have finally been properly overcome, where beliefs by all human beings are treated as equal, and true quantification of beliefs can take place.
(:
mediamonkey93
Well, the next step after that would be to have a non-religious, lesbian, female feminist as prime minister.
Like Iceland did when they had Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir as their prime minister.
Grumpy ol' Boot Hey now that's a bit of a slippery slope you are heading for there!
I don't know about the 'next step' but to have a fair chance would be nice to see.
What difference does it make, as long as his heart is in the right place. There is a difference between being religious and being a religious fanatic.
Awesome vid
keep pressing -- 11:58
NOOOOObody else hears an older Seth Rogan????
So good!!
Glad I stumbled on to this video and others by Penn Jillette. He makes the arguement that I've been trying to ignore most of my life. When I was 12 I was an atheist Sunday, Monday and Wednesday. The rest of the week I was a Christian. When I was in my 20's and 30's I was an atheist Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The older I get the more difficult it has become to ignore the obvious. There is no 'Supreme Being". We are here for a short time, be greatfull for that, and then it's over. It's kind of sad. It would be so nice to believe. Especially the part about an afterlife. Not for myself, but the idea that friends and family who have died we might sit and talk to again. And I guess that's why now, in my 60's I'm only an athiest, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Sunday and sometimes Saturday. Thanks Penn.
I blame this guy for the amount of atheists...if he can get Joey to buy an encyclopedia, selling atheism is easy as a pie for him...
+1 for the the Friends reference. But, the world would be a much better place if there were *more* atheists.
Josh McCullough Debatable. While atheist, I won't argue that simply having more atheists makes the world a better place. A person's belief influences less how he treats the world than it does his perspective while treating the world in such a way.
You could have atheists that are a total dicks because they reason that nothing matters and everything will go to dust anyways. (moral relativist?) You could have theists that justify being dicks because they've got god on their side. (crusades?)
You could have atheists that try to be a fantastic person because they realize that one life is all they get. You could have theists that try to be the absolute best they can be because it's a holy thing to do.
NijosoSefzaps Of course, but more atheists means less religion. That's better for us all in the long run.
Josh McCullough Okay, fair enough. I'm okay with people having religion, I just can't understand how they justify it. To me (obviously) it makes sense to be atheist.
Until something really proves me otherwise, which hasn't happened so far, I try to keep an open mind about things. If someone somehow magically transmutes water to wine, walks across a lake, has it rain everywhere except a sheepskin, or preforms some other myriad of otherwise unexplainable miracles I'll at the very least look into it before declaring shenanigans.
In the end, I say "it'd be nice to live forever, but It's not really going to happen." If I'm right, I have wasted no time. If I'm wrong, pleasant surprise depending on how wrong I was.
NijosoSefzaps I don't have a problem with people being religious either, except for the fact that it's holding society back and results in the murder of countless soldiers and civilians in countless wars...not sure how people can continue to support this sort of thing. Oh, also children get raped (by priests and also forced marriages) and it's "okay" because ... religion.
The Abrahamic Madness is offensive by definition, it seeks to convert by verbal or physical threat all who doubt it's veracity. In our modern age we are still beset by these bizarre hoary myths which damage the minds of their many adherents. I trust sufferers will one day recover from their delusions, my thoughts and sympathies are with the many victims of this insane, inane and arcane superstition. Hopefully the New Year may see some believer's recovery and abstinence from chanting, visions and the many symptoms they experience. I'm sure the Atheist Community agrees wholeheartedly when I wish them a speedy recovery.
Worthy Redeemed "The Abraham Madness" Holy Jahover, I just love that phrase it says it all !
By the Hoary Hosts of Hoggoth
"Band together in order to be different". That's a bloody brilliant rallying call.
This is an amazing video
I love this guy.
As I always say, whatever Barack Obama might be, the alternative is much worse. :o
I like the idea that he's faking. He wouldn't have gotten in if he was an open atheist. From what I'm seeing in the US from the UK, Obama seems to be doing a pretty good job compared to his predecessors.
Neither McCain nor Romney would be worse than Obongo.
bluestone bitterblue
But it will all go to shit if Trump gets in.
BlackEpyon
Wrong,you bern victim.
Ljilja Milić
Why would I be a victim? I agree with the guy.
Thanks for putting up the question Penn, I wish that I had an answer!
Very well said.
Is it a crime to be an atheist nowadays?
No, but it is to be a Christian.
I live in America and i was born in France. I also live in Texas and when i tell people I am an atheist, they look at me like i lost my mind. It is perfectly fine to be an atheist in France, we got a revolution against that as well, we were oppressed for the last 7 centuries with Church. In the USA, it is very hard to let people know you are atheist though, and it is harder with that Pledge of Allegiance, and I can't be forced to trust in "God". This is probably why i will never become american. That said I was born as a catholic, because i was forced by my parents, but once i was able to make up my own mind and think about religious beliefs and see all the cruelty that is happening in this world, I changed my mind and i never went back to religion. Now i can say i feel free.
Steven Rix You live in Texas, that's why.
+SithMasterpresents You're an ignorant bigot.
Many people in Texas are agnostic or atheist.
I live in Texas and i have no problem with atheists or other theists.. But it's a problem when any of them are dicks about it. Atheists are also assholes sometimes and just as religious in that they KNOW there is no God.
I'm agnostic because I'm honest enough to admit I'm not sure. But i do believe in some sort of afterlife.
I don't see why it has to be a God vs Science debate. I subscribe to the God + Science idea. Or Science + God.
I was going to watch 5 minutes...had to watch the whole thing...brilliant!
Love how humerous he presents this subject, kinda had to smile throurgout the whole video
Omg I had no idea that this channel even existed. I will subscribe to Penn every fucking day if i have to! Bro is a damn genius.
Superb Mr. Jillette, it is people like you where I keep my hope for humanity.
I think this is my favorite version of this comeback
That was awesome, gave me goosebumps..
I really appreciated what you said.
What they really mean: "To some degree, or another, I'm willing to subvert my intellect, to believe (or say that I believe) in what I KNOW is false, in order to prove to my peers, in my 'clique,' that I am worth having. I'm willing to do all these things because I know I'll have the strength of numbers. I know that, like me, these other people will go along with my idiocy and defend me, even if I'm bug-eye-bat-shit-crazy, because I'll return the favor to them, in the name of our common 'belief.'"
well said!!..
That is so true. I think it is even crazier when people start to pick and choose from religion - like they someohow know which bits are meant to be literal and which bits aren't. Love the presentation of this video too - builds very nicely to the point.
Thank you Penn, I have been saying this for years.
One of the most important videos I've seen yet on You Tube and atheism. I had been an atheist years before viewing this, and yet walked away feeling more informed. Teller's musings are provocative, profound and brilliant.
I CANNOT UNSEE IT NOW, DAMN YOU!
Well, this is just awesome.
Mr. Penn is a lot of fun and informative. I like to hear his history lessons...
I would love to have a conversation with this man. so well informed and interesting
I love Penn Jillette. I want to say more, but I am hypnotized from this...
must...find...more...Penn...videos...
awesome video!!!!!! but why is your nail red?? 10:00
Bravo!
Right on!
good job dude.
Good Talk
wow....well said
Okay I lost it laughing my ass off at the end. That was the best possible ending to this video. I'm still laughing.
That's the first time I've heard Penn go on a rant like that....
It was beautiful :')
So great. The part at the end about the rosetta stone really sums it up.
One of my only heroes since childhood!
Penn & Teller are so much cooler than Buttman & Rubin.
Hey guys what court case was Penn talking about?
I want to look into it.
Thanks guys-ya'll rock!
Very mature of you.
the end of this video is the best rant ever
The ending was hilarious
Penn, we love you so much. This video is fucking amazing, rock on!
If you can pause the video at a quite specific moment at 4:45 in the video, does Penn's left hand ring finger have red nail polish on the finger nail? Just found this to be a little strange lol
17:50 I love his rant :D
That rant is what made me an atheist. 9 years now.
That was interesting.
Just epic!!!
Thanks very much for your insight! TIL: The color he uses is Jelly Apple Red (#054), according to Wiki.
11:57 It's a turkey hahaha so awesome
the modern tv and education systems certainly paints a rosy picture.
This one described my feelings about religion very well
I really wish this conversation was front & centre
12:28 to 15:24 = AMAZING!!! Damn I love this guy!
That was great
Ah. I did not know that, actually. Interesting… I'll have to check that out.
what specific court case does he start talking about at 12:45?
The white speck on his jacket is killing me. ...Oh, by the way, good points.
I don't know what was better- Penn doing an impersonation of a turkey, or him saying "magic underwear" ten times...
Beautiful Penn...just beautiful....I feel your pain and confusion! OMFG I feel it!!
The ending made me laugh so hard xD!
I've been rewinding the magic underwear thing for the better part of ten minutes. I cant stop fucking laughing.
You actually referenced an article. I'm impressed, and slightly confused. Are we arguing or agreeing?
11:57... Best thing ever.
By far, this is the most truthful speech of society ever. I've had this video linked as the only video on my facebook page for over 6 years, and everyone refuses to talk about it. I'm ashamed that nobody sees this most clearly defined lie of the world. @pennjillette How do you continue to live your life knowing that everyone around you is either insane or lying? I've been suffering my whole life trying to figure out why I'm the only person I've ever met that feels as strongly as I do about how everyone can live completely ignorantly about their strongest beliefs. Sir, I would like to have the pleasure of your company if only for you to tell me how you do it; because I can't--not any longer.
Does anyone know what book he is referencing when he says history of thought?
Penn Jilette seems to have the same level of frustration as I do about this subject. Somehow he holds it down for the most part. I guess that's what extra smarts does for ya :)
18: till the end is hilarious
Oh my god! I love this!
What's most frustrating about comment sections like this is the amount of arguments taking place. Not even that people are disagreeing, but the way in which they are disagreeing. Just because you have different views on how our universe came into existence, doesn't mean you need to attack your opposer's character or overgeneralize their demographic. Not all theists are asinine or crazy. Not all atheists are narcissistic or immoral. Stop taking disagreement so personally. We're all human and deserve respect.
I love it - I was wondering where he was going, until the 15-16 minute mark where it all comes together.
The problem is, some people are that crazy, and others hide behind them.
I need the code too!!
Does anyone know where I can find more information about the conglomeration of "Christianity" after the legalization of abortion? (Discussed around 6:00.) Or what is the actual title of the History of Free Thought book he mentions?
Excellent rant. He gave voice to the thoughts of millions.
Wait a minute! A part of this video was in a video was in another bigthink video!
"The very idea that you would claim people are suffering and dying in order to prove god is on the side of one politician is sickening."
How many wars have been waged to prove exactly this? Sickening it may be, but it is an ancient, deeply-seeded and unfortunately true sentiment.
my mind was blown awat
Quite literally as I sit here and listen to Penn talking about "Bug Nutty, bat shit crazy", I see a Mini Cooper with the license plate, "B-Nutty". Serendipity folks.
Grit he paints his nail red for his mother. He wears his father's ring and she once said you don't have anything of mine you can wear so he decided to paint his nail for her on the finger he has his dad's ring.
11:58 LOL
"I would get the Wiccans in there..." Somehow I just like this line.
It's good that you're willing to question your beliefs. This means you're open to new ideas, which is a huge step. As a self-realized atheist born into a Methodist family and community, my advice to you is stay true to YOURSELF. Take everything into consideration and really, really think about things. Do research. Question everything, both under the possibility of religion and with scientific logic and deduction. I highly suggest you check out Charles Dickens, and keep an open mind. Peace~
Agreeing, I think. Only referencing it because they can probably describe their own work better than I can in 500 characters or less.
Just giving you some of the other sources of evidence for abiogenesis in case you were interested. Even the simplest modern Bacteria may be really complicated but you can find evidence of simpler ways of doing things in the modern genome and engineer simpler life in the lab, showing how little would need to happen "by chance," as if Chemistry was random.
I love Penn's thinkings on the internet and our connectivity. It is just so great.
You kids will find videos of Katy Perry. Once that happens, they find Big Think and this video. It will happen! Can't stop it. Internet!