Old School with Shilo Brooks The Lost Art of Taking the Piss with Richard Dawkins
Dec 18, 2025
Richard Dawkins, a prominent evolutionary biologist and author, shares his love for the humor of P.G. Wodehouse, revealing how his wit provides a delightful escape from serious discourse. They discuss Wodehouse’s sharp satire of the British aristocracy, his whimsical characters like Jeeves, and the unique brilliance of his language. Dawkins also reflects on comedy’s deep roots in tragedy and its role in modern society, critiquing the lack of humor in today’s intellectual landscape while celebrating Wodehouse’s enduring legacy.
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First Encounter With Wodehouse
- Richard Dawkins first encountered P.G. Wodehouse at boarding school when the headmaster read 'The Great Sermon Handicap' aloud to the dormitory.
- That moment hooked him and he has reread Wodehouse repeatedly since childhood.
Wodehouse's Wartime Misunderstanding
- Wodehouse worked in Hollywood, wrote lyrics and scripts, and was interned in France during WWII where he made radio broadcasts.
- Britain later suspected him of collaboration, prompting him to live mostly in America after the war.
Language Is The Core Of The Humor
- Dawkins credits Wodehouse's genius primarily to his language, especially extravagant similes that turn simple descriptions into comic images.
- These outlandish comparisons create sustained laughter and define Wodehouse's voice.