In 'The God Desire: On Being a Reluctant Atheist', David Baddiel presents a unique argument for atheism, focusing on the psychological aspect of human desire for God. He posits that the intense desire for God to exist, rooted in our fear of death and the need for meaning, is actually evidence that God does not exist. Baddiel summarizes his argument with the equation 'desire + invisibility = God', highlighting that unlike other desires, there is no concrete evidence for God's existence. The book delves into how God provides a narrative and meaning to our lives but concludes that this is a form of wish fulfillment rather than reality.
In this book, David Baddiel argues that antisemitism is often overlooked or downplayed by progressives who otherwise champion social justice. He discusses the 'hierarchy of racisms' that places antisemitism at a lower level of importance and highlights double standards in how antisemitism is addressed compared to other forms of racism. Baddiel explores various topics including under-representation of Jews in media, the relationship between Jews and white privilege, and the distinction between anti-Zionism and antisemitism. He also reflects on his personal experiences and engages with contemporary debates in politics, sports, and culture to make a compelling case for why Jews should be recognized as a legitimate minority group facing unique forms of discrimination.
This book is a visual collection showcasing the history and highlights of golf during its golden years. Compiled by Sarah Baddiel, it features a range of images and anecdotes that capture the essence of the sport during a significant period.
This book by Sarah Fabian Baddiel delves into the world of golf, presenting a collection of stories, collectibles, and ephemera related to the sport. It is illustrated throughout with both color and black & white images and includes an index. The book is a comprehensive look at the cultural and historical aspects of golf.
David Baddiel's memoir is a candid examination of his childhood, family, and memory. It delves into his mother's decades-long affair with a golfing memorabilia salesman and her transformation of their household into a golf memorabilia shrine. The book also explores his father's dementia and its impact on the family, blending comedy and poignancy to create a twisted love letter to his parents. Baddiel's childhood, though seemingly standard on the surface, was marked by the extraordinary and eccentric lives of his parents, reflecting the universal idiosyncrasies of family life.
To celebrate 2024, we’re taking a look backwards, and diving into the standout thinkers who have taken to the Intelligence Squared stage in the past 12 months. You might still be on the hunt for that perfect gift for the avid reader in your life, or perhaps you’re after some food for thought over the festive period. Either way, this 12 episode mini series will highlight the books that shaped 2024. We hope you’ll join us in 2025 for more events that intrigue, fascinate and entertain.
David Baddiel has been on our screens for over 35 years. The creator of The Mary Whitehouse Experience and one half of Baddiel and Skinner Unplanned, he spent his early career in the world of television comedy. More recently, he has become a leading voice on Jewishness and antisemitism in the U.K after releasing his award-winning documentary and book Jews Don’t Count.
In October 2024 he came to the Intelligence Squared stage to discuss how both comedy and Jewishness have shaped his career and life. Drawing from his hilarious new memoir My Family, he discussed his upbringing from reckoning with his family’s trauma from the Holocaust to his late mother’s affair with a golfing salesman and his father’s struggles with dementia. Baddiel revealed his family story to shed light on why he believes laughter has the capacity to transform our darkest experiences into something more bearable.
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