Yanis Varoufakis with Professor Noam Chomsky at NYPL, April 16, 2016 | DiEM25 

I have literally never seen Chomsky in a better mood than this; it was such a joy to see! He was sort of conducting this as an interview, which I've never seen him do! Also Varoufakis is obviously brilliant and one of the heroes of our generation. Long Live Noam Chomsky!

If I could I would give Chomsky 10 years of my life just to keep him on this earth a little longer. He is an international treasure.

Varoufakis has been badly misrepresented by the media. He is a good, honest, man.

Noam Chomsky is not only a "great thinker" but also a "great listener" which makes this conversation such a treat. Yanis Varoufakis is a brave man who takes responsibility for the decisions he made. Watching these two individuals sitting together gives new meaning to the word "enlightenment".

"The one deficit that the Greeks could not bear was a deficit of dignity." That is a beautiful, tear-inducing line

Seeing Chomsky in the process of learning is fascinating, he is so humble and eager, really inspiring

Chomsky and Varoufakis are a vital part of something like a new avant-garde of public intellectuals who express an extremely well-grounded anticapitalism and new sense of social justice. Let's hope they'll keep on providing us with such precious content in the future!

I have never seen Chomsky as happy in a public event as in this one.

Chomsky and Varoufakis are amazing speakers who can draw on so much reading and personal experience and tie it together so fluently. Thanks NY Public library for helping me get to understand the then Greek Finance Minister's position.

Yanis's revealing comments on the inner workings of the IMF and more is extraordinary. He also comes across as someone with remarkable intelligence and integrity. That's what a politician and economist should be.

I need to download this so that I can watch daily for the rest of my life so that I may unpack all these ideas and complex analysis.

Noam Chomsky is a very humble man.

Seeing these two together is such a treat. They are two of my favorite intellectuals and both are what I consider worthwhile and decent people.

He actually turned red when he used the word "power". Sweet man, extremely intelligent, and with a gift of explaining things in layman terms.

I have always had admiration for Noam Chomsky, but Yanis I never really took to until I watched this. All we ever saw of this man, was that which was portrayed in the media - a rebel who expected too much, and was just trying to ruffle feathers. Yanis conducted himself very well here, and I have found a new perspective of him.

I am a Political Science and Economics major and as I listen to this conversation about how economics is taught I absolutely agree with them. It is all taught in a "perfect world" scenario. If they do a case study it is always a frozen moment in time. In other words, it is all this make-belief world of how economies operate. Throughout my education, it literally frustrated me of how can I apply these concepts in the real world. Which of course none of my courses actually teaches you the real-world impact. Nor did I had a single course who taught what happened during the 2008 recession or even the 1930 Great Depression. I actually became a Marxist not because of my economic background but rather after taking 2 courses who briefly talk about what Karl Marx talks about what a Marxist believe such has the capitalist is the one who controls the market/government. Which right away I agree with. Yet, I haven't assigned a single reading of Karl Marx. For that matter, none of my courses actually assign me the wealth of the nation of Adam Smith either. Only 1 class who briefly looks into the primary source of John Lock. In other words, the university hides so much stuff from its students. When I first went to university I taught I was going to learn on ho the world operates. What I have now come to realize is that academic-only wants to show you 1 side of the story and hide a vast amount of information from their student. What it did allow me is to develop my critical thinking skills on how to analyze data. I have now reached a point in my education that I have like 3000 books that I want to purchase and read but of course, I don't have the money to buy them and study them. All I can do I to buy 1 book at a time and eventually i will get all the books I need. The one thing that I found about intellectuals they all have a mini-library in their homes. Well, I guess I will become of such a person.

I have been waiting to watch this all week. It's hard to think of two people doing more to further public discourse, both intellectually and morally.

I hope there'll be some more Chomsky - Varoufakis encounters in the future!

Yanis is actually pushing Noam. I kind of love this.

Christ...this is wonderful. Thank you for sharing.

Fantastic discussion between two giants. Chomsky knew he wasn't as in the know on the topics as much as yanis so listened, asked questions and added value. That says a lot about the man given the ego he could try to impose but instead showed genuine interest, great.

Varoufakis is brilliant and a visionary! He is even more relevant today more than ever! Noam is as good as ever.

Two of my heroes.

Varoufakis is a brilliant thinker, expert, and human being - those of us who are sick of corruption and cronyism in our institutions and politics should pay attention to what he has to tell us!

This is gold. At first, I thought the organiser should have provided a host, but once the two get warmed up and launched, you find yourself appreciating every second of it. Enjoyment is reached quickly and lasts a long time with this one.

Wonderful watch as expected with these two on the same stage. Rest of the world needs to take note when we're fortunate enough to have people of this intelligence and calibre voicing the wrongs to the world rather than being the oppressor.

I appreciate their mutual respect. Two great minds sharing knowledge...I have so much to learn.

I am hearing this concept for the first time so I must confess that I’m still in shock with what I’m hearing. I studied fundamental economics in college. There were models and formulas that I was told to memorize and understand. So the claims that Varoufakis makes are jarring and yet intriguing..He’s proposing that capitalism is Not democratic; nor is democracy and capitalism beautifully dovetailed together. Wow! I’m going to delve into this research and see if there is a logic to this. I don’t resist change when the truth is irrefutable.

This was priceless - thank You for the upload!

Varoufakis seems quite starstruck by Chomsky here. It's really sweet!

what a pleasure to listen to both

Mr. Chomsky I have followed and read many of his writing through my lifetime, 64 years. Yanis is new to me and very much encouraged for the generations to come. Great work, thank you, stay safe🙏🏻❤️

Wow, this is the first time I've heard Varoufakis speak like this. I'm highly impressed. He's a very clever guy.

Excellent talk of two of my favorite minds of today. Fortunately we have a new generation, in Yanis. So, I am somewhat hopeful!

2 Things I want to add to this great video: 1) 46:00 - 50:00 is probably the best part for me in this video. I did not know about this, and it makes me incredibly angry to see elites play with the lifes of people for the sake of power and greed. I knew Schäuble was bad, but I did not know how bad. 2) There is a speech on RU-vid from 1996. It was held by Gregor Gysi (German politician in the Bundestag=German parliament of then called PDS=Party of democratic socialism now called Die LINKE=the LEFT) on the topic of creating the EU and introducing the Euro. His main criticism was exactly what Varoufakis was saying, namely that the creation of a common currency without common politicies and laws would eventually lead to massive poverty and the rise of far right parties. He predicted the events of the last few years with scary precision. The main motor of this development is the fact that the Euro chronically underestimates the German economy. In a European system of national currencies a strong German economy was no problem, because the value of the Deutsche Mark(=German currency before the Euro) could be increased according to the economic power, making it easier for competing businesses from other countries to sell their products. Methods to achieve this are to have the federal bank intervene or to raise wages on order to expensify German products. In a monetarily united Europe the first option does not exist anymore, because the authority over currencies is held in Brussels. The second option is off the table, because it contradicts with neoliberal policies, that have been and still are pursued. Fast forward to today, where Germany has the biggest low wage sector in Europe, because of the policies called "Agenda 2010" and "HartzIV" implemented in the 2000s, which rapidly boost the German economy to the expense of the German workers and the rest of Europe, strengthening the crisis and worsening the austerity.

I liked seeing Yanis help Chomsky to his seat. You can tell that these men have so much respect for each other that comes from careers telling truth to power. Thank you both for this wonderful talk

High quality dialogue.

Keep democracy alive! I really enjoyed this very engaging and informative talk.

genuinely the first time ive seen somebody teaching something to noam and he wants to listen

I met Prof. Chomsky today for the first time. His civility and kindness really impressed me. I would like to invite the viewers to notice, at 1:41:07, the first thing he does is saying "thank you for this" to Mr. Varoufakis referring to the pin the latter gave to him. He's a great human being.

Yanis Varoufakis a vocal alternative to Economic/Corrupted System we are currently yoked to. The ideas for a new paradigm, are formulated daily, and all it takes is agreement. Shout it out from the rooftops, Yanis!!! Bravo Chomsky/Varoufakis!!!

Both were named top 10 current intellectuals in the world by respectable sources.

It’s always refreshing to see a fellow Mediteranean native being so vocal :) and Dr Chomsky is of course worth every second of attention

This conversation between Yanis Varoufakis and Professor Noam Chomsky is as always an enlightening exchange of ideas that sheds light on pressing issues. Their intellectual synergy is seriously inspiring

This dialogue shatters the repulsive hypocrisy of 'neoliberalism' and should be known by everyone . Thanks to Varoufakis and Chomsky !

It is not only a privilege to listen to these two enormous intellects discuss such critical issues here but also great to see the passing of the baton from one who is nearing the end of his public life to one who is coming into his prime. We need this type of fearless critical thought and public expression so desperately in the days ahead and Mr Chomsky could not have endorsed a better man to take on this important mission.

Watching this in November of 2019,I mourn for the opportunities missed and hopeful that the people of the first world will one day soon unite against their elitist oppressors.

This was the best economics and finance discussion I've ever heard. This is must-viewing for everyone. This should be the most popular video on RU-vid.

I love the way Noam almost unknowingly giggles so innocently like a child . He is just an amazingly respectable human being .

This is absolutely breathtaking.

What an astonishing interview. It lays bare the masquerade that is late capitalism. Well worth the time.

An absolutely brilliant exchange. Noam's torch as a leftwing public intellectual is still burning bright, and I think it will be carried into the future in Yanis's safe hands.

It's amazing to see Chomsky's line of inquiry, and also that he doesn't already know all the facts. Amazing!

Neo Liberalism is "Not New & Not liberal" what a wonderful political Joke! Ha ha haaaa!

Noam has such a quick and searching mind. His questionning and probing of information presented by Yanis was simply exemplary. Both understated, polite and non threatening while getting to the essence of the matter. With the benefit of hindsight looking back from 2023, it's become increasingly easier to predict that revolution will happen in Europe and likely the USUK too. That it is a non-violent revolution is key to its success. Not only Europe but the world is now on the cusp of something much bigger. The immediate threat of war in Europe and West Asia (Middle East) and the dying throes of a US empire and imperialism out of control. This decade will see either a new beginning for humanity as a whole, or the beginning of an unpreventable end of the civilisation and society we know. The climate crisis is now recognised as being out of the control of the present corporate-economic system and complicit governments. With an Earth Energy Imbalance near off the charts since 2009 and the lack of inclusion of key factors by the IPCC in its reporting over the years, life is all but guaranteed to be brutal for the global north as it is already for the poor of the global south. It's salutory to note that this catastrophe was not mentioned or alluded to in this talk. Humanity so easily silos discussion when the reality is we must take all relevant material and significant factors into account. It will be our undoing as a species. The people still don't understand our governments will not save us, or help us. They work for the corporations and international capital. Non-the-less, thanks to both for the discussion. Bons Voeux et bonne Chance

Two of the outstanding progressive thinkers of our era.

Thanks for the full upload, i watched a ten minute clip of this last week and thought i would love to see the rest. I could listen to Norm and Yanis pull apart our daily bullshit all day, no wonder they don't get much mainstream airtime the illusion would crumble away completely :)

"One of the paradoxes of neo liberalism is that its not new and its not liberal"...sheer wisdom wrapped in eloquence and comedy...george carlin would've loved this statement...

Tks for letting us hear this conversation.

Wow very impressive !! Chomsky is a legend.

God damn it! We need this subtitled in every language pronto! :)

Important discussion from an old man who owns a broad and still deep knowledge about all topics...and a man who owns a deep and exact knowledge of how the financial machine actually operates, been at the coal face in battle with the beast - varoufakis' voice is integral to shaping the future of Europe. I am surprised he hasn't been silenced more heavily

I love how unapologetically star-struck Varoufakis looks when gazing upon the iconicness of Chomsky!

5 star conversation! Thank you so much for the upload!

What a great conversation on important topics!

Couldn't wish for a better Economics lesson than this video.

It’s such an interesting new experience to see here Chomsky is the one asking the questions, because he’s almost always the one answering questions.

Magnificent. Simply must see and hear all till the end.

Brilliant discussion. Chomsky has read the book and asks very sharp questions to keep Varoufakis on track.

I still can't get over the fact that this is the same guy who wrote about the economics of hats in TF2 for a while. Holy fuck.

I have enormous respect for Chomsky. He is generous in sharing his knowledge and I believe he genuinely wants to help create a just and equitable world. God bless this good man💗

Faith in humanity restored.

My two favourite intellectuals! :D

I hope that comes soon the revolution and the poor become rich! I wish much success to Yanis, who sells many books and so can help your people, thank you all for sharing !!

Yanis is a champion of truth and humanity. ❤

I have great admiration for both men.

WOW. Very insightful indeed!

I love how Noam managed Yanis. Obvious who possess the greater intellect... and the most humility. Knowledge talks - wisdom listens.

Titans of humanity, intelligence, and intellectualism

"my dear boy, you're confusing that which is interesting with that which is useful. This is interesting" died!!! had to cover my mouth from laughing too loud at 1am.

excellent.. am gonna put the kettle on first before I relax and put my feet up and indulge..

So enlightening, so explicit , you get to understand so many things you never hear around. Why such a few persons speak out the truth? Apparently they need to be great personnalities with intellectual , philosofical background as well as a deep knowledge of all aspects of economy . Courageous and daring . I feel grateful for their presence

This talk is so important that needs at least subtitles in English, let alone other languages.

Wonderful men .. great conversation. Let's unite, people .. it must be over for the 'grasshoppers'!

Prof Chomsky is the intellectual Gandalf the White.....

The comments below are the most intelligent I have read on a blog. Well done all of you and of course Noam and Yanis, Titans indeed!

I have to say, Yani was his match. I have never really seen Chomski ask questions like he did. Both are my inspirations.

Noam Chomsky respect. Great mind, great personality, great scientist, great man!

very good speech, every single time good people talk, you can see the light, even if it is for a brief time.

two academics, one who plunged into the public sphere as a public servant and with invaluable real world experience - fascinating discourse with cutting edge and unfogged insights, thank you uploader !

Chomsky is one of the greatest people to ever have lived. He is principled humble and honest.

DIEM25, this is a european issue. Please open for subtitles transcriptions because not everyone is able to follow that level of english and this is important to know and spread (// what Sanders said about communicating and enlarging progressive movements).

Two super heroes in one show !

The power of these two people is there ability to say plainly and honestly. Not defer but as equals. I found it deep and interesting but although I did not understand all I have got the gist. A more thought provoking and a little different understanding of how we have got to where we are now than I though. That understanding largely made clear by putting these two men together one to draw out the points from the other.

What a fascinating conversation! Thank you.

Both of them are great human and great intellectual

This was fun to re-watch after a few years. Well, more like terrifying in late 2018.

thanku for the hope of the future..

This was joyous. I did not want it to end.. Extremely informative and very interesting. Two brilliant minds and great orators. 🌱🌱

where can I sign the petition for transparency??