Best of the Spectator
Spectator Out Loud: Richard Dawkins, Nicholas Farrell, Mary Wakefield, Lisa Hilton and Philip Hensher
Oct 20, 2024
Richard Dawkins, a renowned evolutionary biologist, shares insights from his week in diary form. Nicholas Farrell discusses Italy’s bold migration strategies and their implications for the EU. Mary Wakefield reflects on the moral complexities of World War II, revealing personal anecdotes tied to historical lessons. Lisa Hilton uncovers the intriguing history of George Villiers, favourite of King James I. Meanwhile, Philip Hensher's humorous take on body image leads to a deeper exploration of societal perceptions and personal journeys.
32:57
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Quick takeaways
- Richard Dawkins critiques the U.S. electoral system's flaws, advocating for a more deliberative approach to selecting a president.
- Mary Wakefield highlights the necessity of remembering World War II's horrors to combat the normalization of dangerous ideologies in society.
Deep dives
Richard Dawkins on American Elections
Richard Dawkins discusses his deep concerns regarding the U.S. electoral system, particularly criticizing the Electoral College. He highlights that this political structure can result in a candidate winning the presidency despite losing the popular vote, an issue that leads to campaigns primarily focusing on swing states. Dawkins proposes an alternative idea where respected citizens from each state would be chosen to select a president in a deliberative manner, similar to a university search committee. He expresses frustration that meaningful reform is nearly impossible due to systemic political interests, despite his admiration for democratic principles.
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