Choices for a Better Now, with Ece Temelkuran and Matthew Taylor

May 18, 2021

Ece Temelkuran, an award-winning Turkey-based political commentator and novelist, joins Matthew Taylor to discuss her new book, exploring choices for a better future. They challenge listeners to prioritize political activism over social media outrage and embrace collective solutions. The conversation delves into the complexity of creativity in political engagement, the balance between dignity and pride, and the need for authentic emotional discourse. Temelkuran inspires a vision of unity amidst societal challenges, advocating for proactive community empowerment.

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ANECDOTE

Novel as Survival

Ece Temelkuran wrote her novel Women Who Blow on Knots during a challenging period in her life after being fired from her job.
The escapist and exciting nature of writing the novel helped her cope with the political crisis and personal attacks she was facing.

INSIGHT

Faith Over Hope

Choose faith over hope because hope can be absent, while faith is inherent to human existence.
People have lost their reason to act, their faith in themselves and humankind, leading to a belief that there's no alternative to the current state of affairs.

INSIGHT

Dignity vs. Pride

Dignity is about an "us" that excludes no one, while pride divides people into "us" and "them".
Pride needs oppression and a weaker "other" to exist, whereas dignity is inherent in us and cannot exclude anyone.

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Women Who Blow on Knots

Ece Temelkuran

Ece Temelkuran's "Women Who Blow on Knots" is a novel that delves into the experiences of women in the face of political oppression. The novel uses fictional characters to explore themes of resistance, resilience, and the human spirit's capacity to endure hardship. Written during a period of intense political turmoil in Turkey, the novel reflects the author's own experiences and observations. The characters' struggles against authoritarian forces resonate with readers who have faced similar challenges. The novel's exploration of female solidarity and the power of storytelling in the face of adversity makes it a compelling read.

Banana Sounds

Ece Temelkuran

How to Lose a Country

The 7 Steps from Democracy to Dictatorship

Ece Temelkuran

Ece Temelkuran's "How to Lose a Country" meticulously outlines the seven steps through which democracies can descend into dictatorships. Drawing on her experiences in Turkey under Erdogan's rule, the book provides a stark warning about the gradual erosion of democratic institutions and freedoms. Temelkuran's analysis is both insightful and timely, offering a framework for understanding the rise of authoritarianism globally. The book's strength lies in its blend of personal narrative and political analysis, making it accessible and engaging for a wide audience. It serves as a crucial guide for citizens and activists seeking to protect and strengthen their democracies.

The Fall of Public Man

Richard Sennett

In 'The Fall of Public Man', Richard Sennett explores the historical evolution of public culture and urban society from the 18th century to the present. He argues that the balance between public and private life has been disrupted, leading to a decline in public engagement and the rise of a more narcissistic, intimate society. Sennett analyzes various aspects of public life, including street culture, theater, and politics, to illustrate how the public sphere has been eroded and how this affects individual and societal development. The book also includes a new epilogue that addresses the impact of social media on public culture[1][3][5].

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Kate DiCamillo