Quillette Narrated

The discussion delves into Greta Thunberg’s rapid rise to fame and how her iconic 2019 UN speech catapulted her into the global spotlight. As she transitions into adulthood, her appeal faces scrutiny and shifting public perception. The podcast explores her background, mental health struggles, and the origins of her activism, culminating in her critiques of political greenwashing. It debates the effectiveness of her slogans, the complexities of climate policy, and the risks of absolutist tactics in activism, culminating in a nuanced look at her evolving role.

The Jewish state has secured its borders, recovered all living hostages, and put its enemies on notice as to what awaits them if they attempt a reprise of 7 October. By ⁠The Quillette Editorial Board⁠.

Amir and I had very different ideas about which side had committed a ‘genocide.’ But it didn’t stop us from being civil. By David Christopher Kaufman.

Greta Thunberg’s sailing trip to Gaza was a confused piece of activist theatre of a kind that is sadly very much in vogue.

Disney’s awful new Snow White adaptation fails to recreate or even understand the story it is trying to tell.

My sense is that Nietzsche is best understood as a radical individualist; one who insists passionately that our duty in life is to become what we are. But what kind of person is that?

The discussion dives into how labeling normal feelings as disorders can trap individuals in limiting narratives. Experts argue that normal emotional responses, like anxiety, shouldn't be medicalized. A therapist's case illustrates how reframing stress as a natural reaction can foster resilience. The conversation highlights the power of psychedelics in breaking unhelpful self-narratives and emphasizes that personal growth often comes from perspective shifts, rather than strict medical diagnoses.

Polygamy is a criminal offense throughout the Western world. Would making it legal be progress?

Like Miller, Orwell didn’t just focus on the “dirty-handkerchief side of life”—he repeatedly confessed to the dirty-handkerchief side of his own personality.

A nuclear engineer offers a compelling review of a blockbuster film, praising its cinematic qualities. He shares his personal ties to Los Alamos and evaluates the historical accuracy of key scientific moments depicted. Insights include debunking fears about atmospheric ignition and discussing the challenges of bomb engineering. The portrayal of women in science and the moral sentiments of project scientists are highlighted. He also critiques character representations and reflects on Oppenheimer's political stance amid the hydrogen bomb debate.