Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the history of Nihilism. The nineteenth-century philosopher, Friedrich Nietzsche, wrote, “There can be no doubt that morality will gradually perish: this is the great spectacle in a hundred acts reserved for the next two centuries in Europe”. And, with chilling predictions like these, ‘Nihilism’ was born. The hard view that morals are pointless, loyalty is a weakness and ‘truths’ are illusory, has excited, confused and appalled western thinkers ever since. But what happened to Nietzsche’s revolutionary ideas about truth, morality and a life without meaning? Existentialism can claim lineage to Nietzsche, as can Post Modernism, but then so can Nazism. With so many interpretations, and claims of ownership from the left and the right, has anything positive come out of the great philosopher of ‘nothing’?With Rob Hopkins, Senior Lecturer in Philosophy, University of Birmingham; Professor Raymond Tallis, Doctor and Philosopher; Professor Catherine Belsey, University of Cardiff.

Rob Hopkins, author of "From What Is to What If" and founder of the Transition Network, joins to discuss envisioning a hopeful future. They explore the transformative power of imagination in fostering community engagement and tackling environmental issues. Topics include the importance of reframing societal challenges, grassroots activism, and innovative solutions for local food systems. Hopkins emphasizes creativity and diverse voices as essential to driving positive change, urging listeners to engage actively in shaping their futures.

Rob Hopkins, cofounder of Transition Town Totnes and Transition Network, discusses the power of imagination in addressing climate change and the decline of play vs screen time. He also talks about the challenges faced by Extinction Rebellion during the pandemic, the design system of permaculture, and the benefits of slow travel. This dynamic and insightful interview explores various topics including positive change, citizen assemblies, speculative fiction, and The Fall.