Best of the Spectator

Spectator Out Loud: Philip Womack, Ian Thomson, Silkie Carlo, Francis Young and Rory Sutherland

13 snips
Oct 26, 2024
Philip Womack, a Shakespeare scholar, delves into the struggles modern students face with classic texts and reading lists. Ian Thomson shares personal tales of Albania’s transformation post-Hoxha, contrasting its rich history with newfound tourism. Silkie Carlo raises alarms about the alarming rise of supermarket surveillance technologies. Francis Young reminisces about the tradition of Halloween fairies, linking folklore to ancestral beliefs. Finally, Rory Sutherland discusses the balancing act between earning potential and quality of life, hinting at a potential migration crisis in pursuit of better living standards.
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ANECDOTE

Harry Potter Homework

  • Philip Womack's students complained about reading the entire Harry Potter series.
  • Despite defending the assignment's value, the students were excused, impacting his lectures.
ADVICE

Stand Firm on Reading Lists

  • Educational institutions must emphasize that learning isn't always easy.
  • They should avoid always giving in to student demands, fostering appreciation for challenging material.
ANECDOTE

Bearded Ban

  • Ian Thomson recalls a trip to Albania in 1988 when beards were banned.
  • A fellow traveler had his beard shaved at customs due to its association with Greek Orthodoxy.
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