What's it like to know how your obituary will read? What makes the democratic system the best for fighting against climate change? How does politics change a person, whether they like it or not? Alastair and Rory sit down with politician, academic, and writer Michael Ignatieff on today's episode of Leading to discuss all this and more.TRIP Plus:Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to both TRIP and Leading, benefit from discount book prices on titles mentioned on the pod, join our Discord chatroom, and receive early access to live show tickets and Question Time episodes. Just head to therestispolitics.com to sign up, or start a free trial today on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/therestispolitics.Instagram:@restispoliticsTwitter:@RestIsPoliticsEmail:restispolitics@gmail.comProducers: Dom Johnson + Nicole MaslenExec Producers: Tony Pastor + Jack DavenportHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Michael Ignatieff, historian and author of 'On Consolation: Finding Solace in Dark Times,' joins host Jack Russell Weinstein to explore the concept of consolation, the transient nature of human experiences, the power of ideas and the concept of consolation in art, Cicero's struggle with grief, Abraham Lincoln's refusal to offer false consolation, and the role of poetry and art in finding resilience in darkness.

Michael Ignatieff and Sir Michael Howard discuss warfare, human rights, and the life of philosopher Isaiah Berlin. Topics include Just War theory, responsibility for fellow human beings, prospects for world peace, and the impact of technology on conflict. The podcast explores Berlin's views on liberty, individual choice, nationalism, and liberalism in the context of 20th-century ideologies and historical shifts from optimism to existential dread.

Historian Michael Ignatieff discusses the privileges of his generation and their impact on today's polycrisis. He acknowledges their responsibility for societal imbalances and wealth accumulation. Reflects on generational wealth transfer, societal changes, and personal failures. Explores the legacy of his generation, including political activism and climate action, emphasizing the need for positive change.

Author Michael Ignatieff discusses the impact of the rights revolution on Canadian society, exploring the struggles and achievements of various groups. He delves into the intersection of patriotism and rights culture, the dynamics of rights revolution on national solidarity, and the challenges of navigating diversity in Quebec. Ignatieff also examines harmonizing community and diversity globally, and the evolution of equal rights amidst ethnic conflicts.