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Intelligence Squared

The Power of Poetry: Words to Heal and Inspire

Dec 10, 2023
William Sieghart, a poetry publisher and founder of the Forward Prizes for Poetry, shares insights on the therapeutic power of poetry and its role in healing, especially in the post-pandemic world. Natasha McElhone and Sheila Atim, renowned actresses, discuss their personal connections with poetry and its impact on mental health during tough times. They explore themes of resilience, everyday kindness, and the importance of human connections through poetry, illustrating how words can provide solace and inspiration in our lives.
01:17:02

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Poetry has the power to connect people and offer solace in difficult times through empathy and understanding.
  • Embracing imperfections is crucial for personal growth and true connections.

Deep dives

Poetry as a Gateway to Connection

This podcast episode highlights the power of poetry to connect people and offer solace in difficult times. The speaker recounts their experience running a poetry pharmacy, where they listen to people's problems and prescribe poems that resonate with their emotions. The episode emphasizes the importance of human connection, especially with strangers, and how small acts of kindness and understanding can make a significant impact. The featured poems, such as "Survivor" by Roger McGough and "Not Waving but Drowning," capture the essence of human experiences and offer a sense of empathy and consolation.

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