NOVEMBER 17 AND 18 | 6 PM | PITMAN CINEMA THEATRE | SUSAN AND FAYEZ SAROFIM HALL
All members of the Rice community and public are welcome.
Ben Rhodes ’00, who double majored at Rice in English and Political Science, is the author of the New York Times bestsellers “After the Fall: The Rise of Authoritarianism in the World We’ve Made” and “The World As It Is: A Memoir of the Obama White House.” He is co-host of Pod Save the World; a contributor for MSNBC; a senior advisor to former President Barack Obama; and chair of National Security Action. From 2009-2017, he served as a speechwriter and Deputy National Security Advisor to President Obama. In his latest book, “All We Say: The Battle for American Identity: A History in 15 Speeches,” Rhodes tells the story of 15 speeches that have shaped and reflected the argument Americans have been having from our founding to the intense divisions of our time.
Tuesday, Nov. 17
How Speeches Have Shaped the Battle for American Identity
Ben Rhodes discusses his new book All We Say, which traces the arguments we have been having about what it means to be American — and who gets to decide — from Benjamin Franklin to Donald Trump.
Wednesday, Nov. 18
Being Human in an Age of AI and Authoritarianism
With our lives disrupted by technology, our society deeply divided, and our sense of control over our own lives diminishing by the day, how do we make sense of where things are going? Ben Rhodes discusses his own journey from Rice to the present day, and shares thoughts on how turning to history and shared culture can help us rediscover ourselves and our connection to one another.
The Campbell Lecture Series is organized by the School of Humanities and Arts Dean’s Office, with generous support from the Campbell Foundation.
Susan and Fayez Sarofim Hall is located on the campus of Rice University and is best reached by using Campus Entrance 8 at the intersection of University Boulevard and Stockton Drive. As you enter campus, the building is on the right. Visit the Rice website for campus maps and parking options.
