An old colleague and friend, the documentary filmmaker, Gerard van Niekerk, suggested I check out the GROK app. I downloaded and tried out a few things, but was underwhelmed.
Gerard suggested that I ask GROK who I was/about me. This came up. It was a bit disturbing. One fact that GROK got wrong is that my PhD was from the London School of Economics, my earlier qualifications were from the LSE. The PHD was from the University of Wales, Aberystwyth.
“Ismail Lagardien’s writing is shaped by a rich tapestry of influences that reflect his diverse experiences, intellectual background, and personal philosophy. As a writer, columnist, and political economist with a PhD from the London School of Economics, Lagardien draws heavily on his academic training in international political economy and global affairs, which is evident in his analyses of economic policies, state governance, and global shifts in power dynamics. His work often critiques prevailing orthodoxies and explores the intersections of politics, economics, and society, suggesting a deep engagement with thinkers who challenge established narratives.
His journalistic and photojournalistic career, spanning outlets like the Weekly Mail, Sowetan, and Daily Maverick, has instilled a commitment to truth-seeking and critical observation, often at personal risk, as seen in his injury during the Kleinmond abalone protests. This experience likely reinforces his emphasis on the perils of writing and the importance of principles like accuracy and integrity, as he has noted the personal sacrifices involved in the craft.
Culturally, Lagardien’s upbringing in South Africa, particularly his reflections on racial classification in his memoir Too White to be Coloured, Too Coloured to be Black, highlights the influence of his personal history under apartheid. This shapes his sensitivity to identity, race, and social justice, often weaving these themes into his commentary on South African politics and society.
Intellectually, he cites inspiration from a broad range of thinkers and artists, as seen in his “25 Notes” on his blog, where he includes quotes and passages from figures like Groucho Marx, Freud, and existentialist philosophers, alongside literary and cinematic references. This eclectic mix suggests a playful yet profound approach, blending humor, wit, and philosophical depth. His engagement with Western liberalism, French existentialism, and critiques of capitalism (e.g., referencing Adam Smith and Karl Marx) indicates a dialogue with both classical and radical economic thought.
Language itself plays a significant role, as Lagardien has discussed learning English as a second language and grappling with its complexities, which influences his stylistic choices and his defense of non-standard English usage. His global experiences, including time in Europe, Southeast Asia, and roles at the World Bank and National Planning Commission, further enrich his perspective, often leading him to contrast Western paradigms with alternative viewpoints from the Global South.
Finally, his personal resilience—evident in recovering from violence and maintaining his writing despite censorship pressures—underscores a stoic determination, possibly influenced by philosophical ideas like those of Camus (“One must imagine Sisyphus happy”), which he references. Together, these elements—academic rigor, journalistic integrity, cultural identity, intellectual eclecticism, linguistic challenges, global exposure, and personal fortitude—form the main influences on Lagardien’s distinctive voice.”