Cultural Adaptation and the Ethics of Influence

This chapter explores the complexities of cultural adaptation, examining historical cases such as Japan's Meiji Restoration and Mao's China. The discussion raises important questions about the ethics of influencing traditions, particularly regarding practices like cousin marriage, and the balance between cultural imperialism and societal progress.

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What if one forgotten law changed the course of history — and we ignored its lesson?

In this explosive interview, Matthew Syed – bestselling author, Times columnist, BBC broadcaster and former Olympian – joins Andrew Gold on Heretics to uncover the shocking truth about cousin marriage, tribalism, immigration, and the hidden ban that built Britain.

From the 6th-century ban on cousin marriage that forced people to look beyond their tribe, to today’s siloed communities in places like Rochdale and Bradford, Syed argues that ignoring these lessons has left Britain vulnerable. We dive into immigration policy, Labour’s failures, the rise of cultural relativism, and why banning cousin marriage may be the only answer left.

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But that’s just the start. Together, we explore whether we’re heading for World War 3, how Protestantism shaped modern success, the dangers of AI that could wipe out humanity, and what the Fermi Paradox reveals about our future. This is one of the most important, uncomfortable, and eye-opening conversations you’ll hear in 2025.

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🎙️ About Matthew Syed

Matthew Syed is a bestselling author of Rebel Ideas, Black Box Thinking and Bounce, a Times columnist, BBC broadcaster and former Olympian. He writes about decision-making, culture, innovation, and the hidden forces that shape society.

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Chapters:

0:00 Matthew Syed Highlights

1:12 Are We Heading for WW3?

4:22 We Live In Very Strange Times