In a landscape where populism seems to be swallowing the globe whole, Joel Stein’s "In Defense of Elitism" emerges as a beacon of wit and wisdom, casting a penetrating light on the cultural and political divide that propelled Donald Trump to the presidency. Stein, with his trademark humor and incisive analysis, delves into the heart of America's disdain for the elite—the academics, the journalists, the steak-eaters who prefer their cuts medium-rare. It’s an exploration that is as hilarious as it is earnest, seeking not just to understand the seismic shift in American politics, but to argue for the value of expertise, civility, and, yes, even elitism in navigating the complexities of modern life. Venturing far from his comfort zone, Stein embarks on a journey to Roberts County, Texas, the epicenter of Trump fervor, and into the homes of unexpected champions of the populist movement, including the creator of Dilbert, Scott Adams. Through these encounters, Stein unveils the contours of a new tribal elite, one that eschews traditional expertise in favor of a more insular, populist approach. "In Defense of Elitism" is at once a call to arms for the beleaguered elite and a roadmap for a society teetering on the precipice of anti-intellectualism, offering both a path forward and a powerful argument for why society must cherish and protect its knowledge-keepers, even as it remains open to the voices of its dissenters.