Quillette Narrated

Charlotte Allen examines how Philip Roth biographer Blake Bailey's sexual misconduct allegations led to both men being cancelled and explores the broader cultural shift from the sexual liberation of the 1960s to #MeToo's scrutiny of male literary figures and their treatment of women.

Those fighting for social change today would do well to heed Bayard Rustin’s advice about how to build sustainable and effective political movements.

Delve into the captivating evolution of archaeological thought, tracing the journey from outdated models to modern scientific approaches. Discover how ancient DNA research is reshaping our understanding of human migrations and ancestry, revealing complex narratives that challenge traditional views. The podcast also critiques the oversimplification of historical narratives, emphasizing the need for a more nuanced interpretation of history. Finally, it highlights the surprising resurgence of older ideas in contemporary scholarship, calling for intellectual honesty in research.

Amid literary subcultures, competition has always been fierce and unrelenting and has become even more so in our age of elite overproduction. On social media, these embittered rivalries play out in public amid a chorus of backbiting worthy of Chekhov. Robert Huddleston

Delve into the historical cancellation of philosopher Bertrand Russell, spotlighting the fierce opposition he faced from religious conservatives. Explore the implications of his pacifism and atheism on academic appointments. Discover the solidarity he received from scholars defending freedom of expression. The discussion reflects on censorship's impact in Russell's era and draws parallels to today's challenges in upholding academic freedom. This captivating narrative bridges past controversies with ongoing debates over rights to free speech.

The problem here is not a subset of Islamic thought, but the fundamentals of Islam itself. By Obaid Omer

Once seen as a model of progressive drug policy, San Francisco now stands as a morbid example of how that approach has gone astray.

In 2020, a Canadian university tore up its psychology department in search of a non-existent network of sexual predators. Documents obtained by Quillette reveal how administrators allowed it to happen.

The discussion reveals the tangled global perspectives on Palestinian statehood in light of recent attacks. It highlights the historical complexities and varying international positions, showcasing the challenges of achieving peace. The conversation also critiques the illusion of unity among Palestinians, emphasizing deep divides between Gaza and the West Bank. The potential repercussions of pursuing statehood through violence are explored, suggesting a need for a more thoughtful approach to political structures.

Few writers in our time were more committed to the novel or had more idealism about the heights the form could scale.