Tom Holland finds inspiration in curiosity and music for accessible history writing.
Christianity faces challenges amid changing demographics but retains historical rituals for connection.
Holland emphasizes moral duty in balancing economic growth with wildlife conservation, highlighting the interconnectedness of ecosystems.
Deep dives
Curiosity and Writing Style Influence
Tom Holland shares that his love for the extremity of curiosity, both about ancient history and writing style, shapes his work habits. Drawing parallels with Herodotus' infinite curiosity about various subjects, Holland immerses himself in academic texts but then sets free from their influence with music from The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. This helps him retain a sense of accessibility for his general audience despite the denseness of his research.
Christian Legacy and Modernity
Holland reflects on the evolving role of Christianity in modern Britain, discussing the intertwined heritage of the Church of England, declining religious attendance, and the influence of other religions like Islam. While acknowledging the challenge the church faces with changing demographics, he underlines the importance of historical rituals, such as those seen during times of mourning for the Queen, in connecting with the past.
Biodiversity and Hedgehog Advocacy
Holland delves into the dilemma between economic growth and conservation efforts, particularly focusing on preserving British wildlife like hedgehogs. Expressing a deep concern for the declining biodiversity, he contends that humans have a moral responsibility to protect and sustain the environment for all species, emphasizing the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the potential risks of neglecting this crucial balance.
Jurassic Park and Childhood Fascination
Revealing his childhood obsession with dinosaurs, Holland expresses his love for the movie Jurassic Park as a pivotal experience in his formative years. Highlighting the groundbreaking use of CGI in portraying dinosaurs with a sense of wonder and realism, the film evoked a profound emotional response, resonating with his early passion for paleontology and dinosaurs, turning it into a timeless favorite.
Upcoming Projects and Historical Narratives
Holland discusses his ongoing podcast series, 'The Rest is History,' and his recently completed book, 'Pax,' which delves into the peak of the Roman Empire. With plans for future episodes covering American history and key events like the fall of Saigon, Holland's commitment to engaging storytelling continues as he navigates through diverse historical narratives and characters.
Historian Tom Holland joined Tyler to discuss in what ways his Christianity is influenced by Lord Byron, how the Book of Revelation precipitated a revolutionary tradition, which book of the Bible is most foundational for Western liberalism, the political differences between Paul and Jesus, why America is more pro-technology than Europe, why Herodotus is his favorite writer, why the Greeks and Persians didn’t industrialize despite having advanced technology, how he feels about devolution in the United Kingdom and the potential of Irish unification, what existential problem the Church of England faces, how the music of Ennio Morricone helps him write for a popular audience, why Jurassic Park is his favorite movie, and more.