Ben Shapiro’s New Book Delves Into Western Civilization

In his latest book, Ben Shapiro presents a view that Western civilization is fragmented by what he describes as “scavengers.”

He highlights Zohran Mamdani as a prime example. “Mamdani embodies the scavengers’ mentality in the workplace. His entire approach is rooted in envy,” Shapiro shared. “It stems from a belief that everyone is a victim of the system.”

In “The Lions and the Scavenger: The True Story of America (and Her Critics),” Shapiro posits that society splits into “lions”—those who create value—and “scavengers,” who undermine the system from within.

According to Shapiro, “Scavengers are individuals who contribute nothing yet demand everything. They are accountable for their own suffering in a free society and the power structures that they claim oppress them.”

Mamdani, a Democratic hopeful for New York City’s mayor, exemplifies this scavenger mentality along with his supporters.

“The Mamdani campaign illustrates this well. It unites diverse groups that share little beyond their disdain for the system and a desire to tear it down,” he explained.

Shapiro believes it is the responsibility of the “lions” to resist these scavengers who threaten a free society.

He asserts that the lions operate under three biblical principles: there is a Master Plan behind the universe, humans are created in God’s image, and there exists a significant moral duty to the world.

In contrast, scavengers perceive a chaotic world where failure is simply a side effect of a corrupt system, often justifying violence against perceived conspiracies.

“You can see this cycle repeatedly, from the BLM riots to various campus protests,” Shapiro noted.

He further cites the shooter of United Healthcare CEO Luigi Mangione as another example of a scavenger.

“Despite his wealth, he saw himself as a victim of the flawed system, finding justification to commit murder,” Shapiro pointed out.

Shapiro observes a striking irony: many scavengers are privileged offspring of the lions themselves.

“Many individuals invest in communities and families, building a robust society, yet fail to impart those values to their children,” he remarked. “They seem to believe that virtues will somehow seep into the next generation organically.”

He reflects on the previous year’s campus protests, where affluent students expressed solidarity with Palestine, influenced by online narratives advocating self-criticism of their upbringing.

Shapiro views the scavenger threat as existential.

He warns, “We don’t need a majority of scavengers to exercise control. A committed core group suffices, alongside many hesitant lions who won’t assert themselves. Often,the conditions for such upheaval are ripe.”

Yet, amidst these concerns, he maintains a glimmer of hope.

Reflecting on recent events, Shapiro suggests, “The aftermath of the BLM protests and the campus responses illustrate that Trump’s victory was, in some way, a reflection of the people’s sentiments.”