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The Intelligence: The power of positive tinkering

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Mar 19, 2024

Noah Snyder, Tokyo Bureau Chief, discusses the Bank of Japan's shift from negative interest rates and the implications of ending unconventional monetary policies. Robert Guest, Deputy editor at The Economist, shares insights into Florida's political landscape as it moves sharply to the right, dissecting the chaos of suburban dynamics and voter enthusiasm. The conversation also dives into the intriguing relationship between divine authority and human sexuality, contrasting modern and historical views within Christianity.

25:45

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INSIGHT

Japan's Monetary Policy Shift

Japan's central bank implemented unconventional monetary policies like negative interest rates to combat deflation.
These policies, alongside global events, have shifted Japan towards inflation and wage growth.

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ANECDOTE

Florida's Shift to the Right

Robert Guest visited Moorhaven, Florida, a town that has shifted dramatically towards the Republican party.
He interviewed residents, including a Cuban immigrant who supports Trump, to understand the political shift.

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INSIGHT

God's Preoccupation with Sex

Catherine Nixie explores the historical preoccupation of God with sex in Christianity.
She suggests that ancient gods were less concerned with this subject, focusing more on their own desires.

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End of an Era: Japan's Shift from Negative Rates

01:48 • 8min

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Exploring Innovation Opportunities in Puerto Rico

10:09 • 2min

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Suburban Chaos and Florida's Political Landscape

11:53 • 8min

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Divinity and Human Sexuality

20:18 • 4min

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Revisiting Divine Nature and Historical Morality

Ovid's "Ars Amatoria" (The Art of Love) is a collection of three books offering instruction on the art of seduction and love. The poems explore various techniques for attracting and winning over lovers, covering topics such as courtship, conversation, and physical intimacy. Ovid's work is known for its wit, humor, and frankness in discussing sexual matters. It provides a glimpse into the social customs and attitudes towards love and relationships in ancient Rome. The poems are considered a significant contribution to Roman literature and continue to be studied for their insights into human relationships and the dynamics of seduction.

Confessions

Augustine

Written in Latin between AD 397 and 400, 'Confessions' is a blend of autobiography, philosophy, theology, and critical exegesis of the Christian Bible. The first nine books are autobiographical, tracing Augustine's life from his birth to his conversion to Catholicism. He recounts his sinful youth, his involvement with Manicheism and Neoplatonism, and his eventual conversion in a Milanese garden. The last four books focus on philosophical and theological issues, including memory, time, eternity, and the interpretation of the Book of Genesis. The work is structured as a series of prayers to God, reflecting Augustine's journey of redemption and his understanding of God's grace and providence.

God: An Anatomy

No author name available.

God

A Biography

Jack Miles

Jack Miles's "God: A Biography" offers a unique and insightful exploration of the Hebrew Bible's portrayal of God. Miles masterfully weaves together narrative and analysis, tracing the evolution of God's character and role throughout the biblical text. He examines the complexities of God's relationship with humanity, highlighting the shifting perspectives and interpretations across different periods. The book is both scholarly and accessible, engaging readers with its compelling narrative and thought-provoking insights. Miles's work challenges traditional understandings of God, prompting readers to reconsider their own beliefs and interpretations.

The Body and Society

Men, Women, and Sexual Renunciation in Early Christianity

Peter Brown

Peter Brown's *The Body and Society* explores the practice of permanent sexual renunciation—continence, celibacy, and lifelong virginity—among early Christians. The book examines how theological views on sexuality and the body influenced relationships within Christian communities, discussing prominent figures like Tertullian, Origen, and Augustine. It provides a comprehensive analysis of early Christian perspectives on the body and sexuality, highlighting the diversity of views and their impact on society.

Lunatics

Dave Barry

Alan Zweibel

Lunatics follows Philip Horkman, a pet store owner and soccer referee, and Jeffrey Peckerman, a forensic plumber, as their lives intersect at a soccer game, leading to a series of chaotic and humorous events. The story escalates into a wild adventure involving police chases, international intrigue, and even a presidential campaign. The book is a satire that blends humor with absurdity.

Sappho

A New Translation of the Complete Works

Diane Rayor

Andr Lardinois

Diane Rayor's translation of Sappho's complete works offers a fresh perspective on the ancient Greek poet's life and work. The translation aims for accuracy while making the poems accessible to modern readers. Rayor's work sheds light on Sappho's homoerotic themes and her role in ancient Greek performance culture. The book includes extensive notes and commentary, providing context for understanding Sappho's language and world. It is a valuable resource for scholars and general readers alike, offering a nuanced understanding of Sappho's enduring legacy.

The Complete Poems of Catullus

Gaius Valerius Catullus

This collection showcases Catullus's emotional depth and raw honesty, reflecting timeless themes of love, desire, and betrayal. His poems often focus on a tumultuous relationship with a woman named Lesbia, capturing the complexities of romantic relationships with vivid imagery and emotional sincerity.

Demons and the Making of the Monk

David BRAKKE

In 'Demons and the Making of the Monk', David Brakke examines the role of demons in shaping the identity of early Christian monks, particularly in fourth- and fifth-century Egypt. The book delves into how monastic authors imagined monks as fighters against demons, exploring themes of gender and racial stereotyping in these encounters. Brakke draws on various sources, including biographies of monks and monastic literature, to craft a nuanced picture of spiritual combat in early monasticism.

The Bank of Japan has ended its grand experiment in unconventional monetary policy—how did it work, and what happens now that it has concluded? Ahead of Florida’s presidential primary our correspondent pays a visit, examining the state’s hard swing to the right (10:17). And the next in our Economist Reads series: why God seems to care so much about sex (19:09).

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