Library of Mistakes EP 36: Shelf Life #2 (with Liam Rees PLUS The Weekend of Mistakes)
14 snips
Mar 31, 2025 In this discussion, theatre director Liam Rees dives into the intriguing tale of Gregor MacGregor, a 19th-century conman who sold imaginary lands. David Clarke shares captivating highlights from the Weekend of Mistakes event, while librarian Helen Williams explores Russia’s complex narratives and the influence of figures like Putin and Trump. Listeners gain insight into evolving financial education initiatives for school leavers, reflecting on the importance of storytelling in understanding economic and political landscapes.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
The Land That Never Was
- Liam Rees's play, "The Land That Never Was," is about Gregor McGregor, who fraudulently sold a nonexistent country.
- McGregor created a detailed illusion, including maps, a travel guide, and fake government bonds, to deceive investors.
Audacious Lies and the Post-Truth World
- The success of audacious scams, like McGregor's or those facilitated by AI, highlights the human tendency to believe the unbelievable.
- This connects to the post-truth era where narratives, even if false, provide structure to chaos.
The Discomfort of Narrative Control
- TED Talks and political speeches use manipulative storytelling techniques similar to McGregor's, creating discomfort even when the content seems agreeable.
- These techniques highlight the power of narrative and communication in shaping our understanding of the world.
