The LRB Podcast

Join Jon Day, a King's College London educator and author of "Homing," as he explores the intriguing world of lab and wild rats. Discover the compelling experiments of John B. Calhoun, revealing unsettling parallels between rat behavior and human societal issues like urban overcrowding. Day discusses the ethics of using rats in research and how misconceptions shape our views of these creatures. He challenges the myths surrounding rat populations and highlights the complex, often misunderstood relationship between humans and rats in our shared environments.

In this discussion, Andy Beckett, a Guardian columnist and author, dives into the dark ties between Pinochet's Chile and Nazi Germany. He reveals how notorious Nazi war criminal Walther Rauff found refuge in Chile, boasting a chilling connection to Pinochet's regime. The conversation also explores the long shadow of Salvador Allende's democratic government and how its fall resonates today. Beckett highlights implications of impunity in political systems and the ongoing threat of authoritarianism under the guise of conservatism.

Narges Bajoghli, an expert on Iranian politics from Johns Hopkins University, and Robert Malley, a Yale visiting professor and former lead US negotiator on Iran, discuss the recent conflict initiated by Israel. They delve into the Iranian regime's narrative post-war, contrasting public reactions to Israeli airstrikes, and the implications for national identity. The conversation highlights the complex dynamics of Iran’s nuclear ambitions amidst geopolitical tensions, addressing the U.S.'s historical role and the inconsistent international perspectives on nuclear issues.

Adam Thirlwell, a novelist and critic known for his adventurous explorations of fiction, joins to dissect the dark themes of James Hogg's 'The Private Memoirs and Confessions of a Justified Sinner' and Mikhail Bulgakov's 'The Master and Margarita.' They dive into the nuances of fanaticism, exploring how both authors represent pacts with the devil, and discuss the characters' moral dilemmas linked to antinomianism. Thirlwell sheds light on how these fantastical narratives not only reflect personal identity but also comment on the socio-political landscapes of their times.

Francesca Wade, author of *Square Haunting*, delves into the life of Belle da Costa Greene, J.P. Morgan's personal librarian who transformed a private collection into a public treasure. They discuss Greene's fascinating identity struggles, specifically her decision to conceal her African American heritage. Wade uncovers Greene's long-distance relationship with art historian Bernard Berenson and her strategic maneuvers in a male-dominated field. The conversation reflects on Greene's significant contributions to librarianship and the complex legacy she left behind.

Laleh Khalili, a professor at the University of Exeter and author of "Extractive Capitalism," joins to discuss the critical intersection of Silicon Valley and the Pentagon. She critiques the influence of private tech firms on military spending, especially under Trump's massive defense budget. The conversation delves into the evolution of military strategy, the reliance on advanced technology, and the implications of shifting tech relations. Khalili argues these partnerships pose threats to national security and the public good, challenging us to rethink our priorities.

Joanna Biggs, former editor at the LRB and deputy editor of the Yale Review, discusses the legendary Marguerite Yourcenar, the first woman in the Académie Française. They delve into 'Memoirs of Hadrian', exploring its emotional depth, themes of love and sacrifice, and its cultural significance. Biggs highlights Yourcenar’s aristocratic roots and her connections with other female writers. The conversation also reflects on how personal artifacts shape cultural identity, revealing the timeless nature of human experiences throughout history.

Daniel Trilling, author and expert on far-right politics, delves into the resurgence of right-wing nationalism and its potential ties to fascism. He and TJ unpack the historical evolution of far-right movements, dissect complex definitions of fascism, and explore the emotional undercurrents—like resentment and fear—driving this ideology. They also discuss how climate crisis anxieties are being manipulated by far-right thinkers and the consequences for national identity, wrapping up with insights into Poland's women's rights movement in the face of such threats.

In this extended extract from their series 'Conversations in Philosophy', part of the LRB's Close Readings podcast, Jonathan Rée and James Wood look at one of Friedrich Nietzsche's early essays, 'Schopenhauer as Educator'. For Nietzsche, Schopenhauer’s genius lay not in his ideas but in his heroic indifference, a thinker whose value to the world is as a liberator rather than a teacher, who shows us what philosophy is really for: to forget what we already know. ‘Schopenhauer as Educator’ was written in 1874, when Nietzsche was 30, and was published in a collection with three other essays – on Wagner, David Strauss and the use of history – that has come to be titled Untimely Meditations. Jonathan and James consider the essays together and their powerful attack on the ethos of the age, railing against the greed and power of the state, fake art, overweening science, the triviality of universities and the deification of success.James Wood is a contributor to the LRB and staff writer at The New Yorker, whose books include The Broken Estate, How Fiction Works and a novel, Upstate.Jonathan Rée is a writer, philosopher and regular contributor to the LRB whose books include Witcraft and A Schoolmaster's War.Sponsored links:Find out more about the National Gallery's Siena exhibition here: https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/exhibitions/siena-the-rise-of-paintingTo find out about financial support for professional writers visit the Royal Literary Fund here: https://www.rlf.org.uk/Close Readings:To listen to the rest of this episode and all our other Close Readings series, sign up;In Apple Podcasts: https://lrb.me/nietzscheapplecrIn other podcast apps: https://lrb.me/nietzschesccr Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Colm Tóibín, an acclaimed Irish novelist and critic, discusses the evolving papacy and the paradox of necessary change within the Church. He reflects on Pope Francis's leadership, revealing how a smile masked his iron-fist governance. Tóibín also examines the church's interactions with politics, particularly during the Trump era, and the implications of papal reforms on communities, including the complexities of beliefs surrounding issues like gay blessings. His insights paint a vivid picture of a transformative period in Catholicism.