Written in Latin between AD 397 and 400, 'Confessions' is a blend of autobiography, philosophy, theology, and critical exegesis of the Christian Bible. The first nine books are autobiographical, tracing Augustine's life from his birth to his conversion to Catholicism. He recounts his sinful youth, his involvement with Manicheism and Neoplatonism, and his eventual conversion in a Milanese garden. The last four books focus on philosophical and theological issues, including memory, time, eternity, and the interpretation of the Book of Genesis. The work is structured as a series of prayers to God, reflecting Augustine's journey of redemption and his understanding of God's grace and providence[2][4][5].
In 'Night', Elie Wiesel narrates his harrowing experiences as a Jewish teenager during the Holocaust. The book follows Eliezer, a slightly fictionalized version of Wiesel, from his hometown of Sighet in Hungarian Transylvania to various concentration camps, including Auschwitz, Buna, Gleiwitz, and Buchenwald. It chronicles his struggles with faith, the inhuman conditions of the camps, and the tragic events that unfolded, including the death of his father. The memoir is a poignant and personal account of the Holocaust, highlighting themes of faith, silence, inhumanity, and the importance of human bonds.
In 'The Rebel', Albert Camus delves into the nature of rebellion and revolution, exploring their motivations, historical developments, and philosophical implications. The book discusses how rebellion stems from a human rejection of normative justice and the absurdity of the world. Camus distinguishes between true and false freedom, critiques various historical and intellectual figures such as the Marquis de Sade and Friedrich Nietzsche, and analyzes the French Revolution and other revolutionary movements. He argues that while rebellion gives life its value and is a constant confrontation between man and his own obscurity, it often leads to totalitarianism and oppression if not tempered by moral and metaphysical limitations. The book emphasizes the importance of maintaining individual freedom and solidarity in the face of rebellion and revolution.
In this book, Stan Grant reflects on his personal experiences as an indigenous Australian, delving into the complexities of national identity, racism, and the historical dispossession of indigenous people. The book is a response to the broader societal issues in Australia, using Grant's own life and the 2015 controversy surrounding Adam Goodes as a starting point. It highlights the disparities and injustices faced by indigenous Australians and calls for greater integration and reckoning with the country's past. Grant's writing is direct, honest, and forthright, aiming to spark a national conversation about what it means to be Australian and how the country can move forward[1][2][3].
The great project of the Enlightenment was to bring reason to the forefront.
No more would humans be held back by superstitions: the power of the mind was all that was needed for advancement.
Three centuries on though, and some people are beginning to think the pendulum has swung too far.
Celebrated journalist and public intellectual Stan Grant joined John onstage in Sydney for a live recording of Undeceptions to discuss this new disenchanted age.
- (02:19) - - Introduction: Everything we wished for is here, and that's a problem
- (08:37) - - Stan Grant arrives
- (09:38) - - The Voice to Parliament
- (15:20) - - Stan on St Augustine
- (17:25) - - Stan's early life
- (20:30) - - Beginning a career in journalism
- (34:07) - - What makes you 'Australian'?
- (37:26) - - Deconstructing the Enlightenment
- (44:14) - - Truth-telling
- (45:57) - - Stan's theological journey
- (53:27) - - Reflections of suffering
- (59:45) - - 5 Minute Jesus
- (01:03:46) - - Hasn't Christianity done terrible damage to Indigenous cultures?
Undeceptions with John Dickson 
