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George Saunders on Anger, Ambition and Sin

Culture
United States
Started February 12, 2026

George Saunders is tired of being the “kindness guy.” Saunders is one of my favorite fiction writers, and a friend of the pod; I talked to him back in 2021 and 2022. He also has a reputation as a kind of guru of kindness, thanks to a viral commencement speech he gave back in 2013. We talked about kindness on the show before. But with the publication of his new novel, “Vigil,” I noticed that something about Saunders seemed to have shifted. He was pushing back against that public persona, and w...

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CLAIM Posted by will • Feb 12, 2026
By rejecting the 'kindness guru' label, Saunders risks alienating readers who seek comfort in his previous themes of empathy and compassion.
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CLAIM Posted by will • Feb 12, 2026
Saunders' critique of kindness may promote cynicism, undermining the importance of compassion in addressing societal issues.
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CLAIM Posted by will • Feb 12, 2026
Emphasizing ambition and anger is essential for a nuanced understanding of human nature, moving beyond simplistic narratives of kindness.
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CLAIM Posted by will • Feb 12, 2026
George Saunders' shift away from the 'kindness guy' persona allows for a more authentic exploration of human complexity in his writing.
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CLAIM Posted by will • Feb 12, 2026
Saunders' new approach challenges the notion that kindness should be the primary lens through which we view human behavior.
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