Origin Story

Ian Dunt and Dorian Lynskey discuss effective altruism and its connection to Sam Bankman-Fried, the failed CEO of FTX. They explore the origins of effective altruism, long-termism, and existential risks. They delve into the philosophy of Peter Singer and different types of utilitarianism. They also examine the role of expected value in effective altruism and the moral implications of long-term thinking. The FTX scandal and collapse are discussed, along with the crisis within the Effective Altruism movement. Despite acknowledging mistakes, they highlight the commitment to doing good and seeking reassurance about the efficacy of donations.

Explore the surprising support eugenics received from progressives during World War I in America. Delve into the complex relationship between women's reproductive rights and eugenics, including the involvement of influential figures like Margaret Sanger. Uncover the elevation of social status gained through embracing eugenics and the scientific weaknesses that challenged its credibility. Examine the failures of eugenics, its discreditation by the Nazis, and the post-war attempts to rehabilitate it. Learn about the importance of moral judgment and vigilance in navigating this controversial topic.

This podcast explores the dark history of eugenics, from its origins in Victorian science to its influence on politics. It delves into the disturbing ideas of Francis Galton and Herbert Spencer, the birth of scientific racism, the sinister history of IQ tests, and the connection between American eugenicists and Hitler. It also examines the role of prominent figures like Winston Churchill and the efforts of GK Chesterton to save Britain from eugenics laws. A complex and unsettling story that challenges political preconceptions.

Ian Dunt and Dorian Lynskey discuss the political nature of zombies, exploring their symbolism in relation to war, terrorism, capitalism, and disease. They trace the origins of the zombie term to Voodoo and its connection to Caribbean and Southern US folklore. The podcast also explores the evolution of zombie movies, George Romero's influence, and the themes they portray. The hosts delve into the significance of zombies in popular culture, examining their metaphorical representation of societal fears and frustrations. They conclude by discussing the changing interpretations of zombies throughout history.

In Part Two of John Maynard Keynes, Dorian Lynskey and Ian Dunt reconnect with Keynes in the 1930s, as he slowly pulls together his magnum opus, The General Theory of Employment, Interest and Money. This book changed everything for Keynes, and the rest of us, by establishing Keynesianism as a new way to understand both the economy and society. Ian and Dorian discuss the last decade of Keynes’ life, from the New Deal to the Second World War to the Bretton Woods conference which established the post-war order. When Keynes died suddenly in 1946, his ardent disciples had just begun remaking the world. Did Keynes save capitalism from itself?“We are all Keynesians now,” declared Time magazine in 1965, but 10 years later a global economic crisis was opening the door to the neoliberal counter-revolution, led by Friedrich Hayek and Milton Friedman. Were the Keynesians more Keynesian than Keynes himself? Should he be credited with the post-war boom and blamed for its dramatic implosion? Is the relationship between Keynesian and neoliberal visions more complex than it appears? And are Joe Biden and Keir Starmer taking us into a new age of Keynes?Reading list for both episodesBooksRoger E. Backhouse and Bradley W. Bateman — Capitalist Revolutionary: John Maynard Keynes, 2011Bradley W. Bateman, Toshiaki Hirai and Maria Cristina Marcuzzo, eds. — The Return to Keynes, 2010Zach Carter — The Price of Peace: Money, Democracy, and the Life of John Maynard Keynes, 2020Peter Clarke — Keynes: The Twentieth Century’s Most Influential Economist, 2010Roy Harrod — The Life of John Maynard Keynes, 1951John Maynard Keynes — The Essential Keynes, 2015Robert Skidelsky — John Maynard Keynes 1883-1946: Economist, Philosopher, Statesman, 2004Nicholas Wapshott — Keynes Hayek: The Clash That Defined Modern Economics, 2011Online:John Maynard Keynes, ‘Economic Possibilities for our Grandchildren’, 1930https://www.economicsnetwork.ac.uk/archive/keynes_persuasion/Economic_Possibilities_for_our_Grandchildren.htmWe Are All Keynesians Now, Time, 1965https://content.time.com/time/subscriber/article/0,33009,842353,00.htmlTides of History podcast with Zach Carterhttps://podcasts.apple.com/bg/podcast/john-maynard-keynes-and-his-legacies-interview-with/id1257202425?i=1000476041925Written and presented by Dorian Lynskey and Ian Dunt. Audio production by Simon Williams. Music by Jade Bailey. Logo art by Mischa Welsh. Lead Producer is Anne-Marie Luff. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Origin Story is a Podmasters production.https://twitter.com/OriginStorycast   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

John Maynard Keynes, a significant economist, is discussed in this podcast. They talk about his remarkable life, his gilded youth at Eton and Cambridge, his rivalries with classical economists, and his rise to wealth and influence. Despite his achievements, his policy prescriptions were usually ignored, making him Mister Told-you-so. Next week: the rise and fall (and rise again) of Keynesianism.

The podcast explores the significance and impact of the baby boomer generation, including generational divisions and conflicts with millennials. It discusses the concept of generations and challenges fixed categorizations. The perception and influence of baby boomers are analyzed, as well as surprising trends in drug use, alcohol consumption, and declining sexual activity among millennials and Gen Z. The importance of navigating generational divisions and prioritizing the future is emphasized.

Dive into the fascinating world of Jordan B. Peterson, where self-help and mythology collide! Discover why his books resonate with millions, especially focusing on men and boys. Explore the intriguing contrast between optimism and bleakness in his ideas, alongside the complexities of gender identity and societal norms. Unpack the misconceptions surrounding religion and its impact on morality. Plus, navigate the messy landscape of modern conservatism and what makes this controversial figure so compelling.

Origin Story is back. The critically-acclaimed podcast uncovering the hidden histories of concepts, people and events you thought you knew. To kick off Series 4 Ian Dunt and Dorian Lynskey turn their sights on Jordan B Peterson, the bestselling author, diehard culture warrior and, allegedly, the most influential intellectual in the western world. In part one they discuss Peterson’s life up to the publication of 12 Rules for Life in 2018, from his childhood in rural Canada to his first book, Maps of Meaning, his role as a star professor at the University of Toronto and his first taste of public controversy. How did an obscure academic come to the brink of global celebrity? Why did a young left-leaning activist grow into a ferocious conservative? And what ideas led him to his multi-million-dollar 12 rules? Featuring Nietzsche, Karl Jung, the absence of God and nightmares about the end of the world. Buckle up, bucko.Support Origin Story on Patreon for exclusive benefits: www.Patreon.com/originstorypod Reading list:Books:Ben Burgis, Conrad Hamilton, Matthew McManus and Marion Trejo — Myth and Mayhem: A Leftist Critique of Jordan Peterson, 2020Jordan B Peterson — Maps of Meaning: The Architecture of Belief, 1999Jordan B Peterson — 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos, 2018Jordan B Peterson — Beyond Order: 12 More Rules for Life, 2021Sandra Woien, ed. — Critical Responses to Jordan Peterson, 2022Online:Jason McBride — ‘The Pronoun Warrior’, Toronto Life, 2017https://torontolife.com/city/u-t-professor-sparked-vicious-battle-gender-neutral-pronouns/David Brooks — ‘The Jordan Peterson Moment’, The New York Times, 2018https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/25/opinion/jordan-peterson-moment.htmlDorian Lynskey — ‘How dangerous is Jordan Peterson, the rightwing professor who “hit a hornets’ nest”?’, The Guardian, 2018https://www.theguardian.com/science/2018/feb/07/how-dangerous-is-jordan-b-peterson-the-rightwing-professor-who-hit-a-hornets-nestKelefa Sanneh — ‘Jordan Peterson’s Gospel of Masculinity’, The New Yorker, 2018https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2018/03/05/jordan-petersons-gospel-of-masculinityPankaj Mishra — ‘Jordan Peterson & Fascist Mysticism’, The New York Review of Books, 2018https://www.nybooks.com/online/2018/03/19/jordan-peterson-and-fascist-mysticism/Nellie Bowles — ‘Jordan Peterson, Custodian of the Patriarchy’, The New York Times, 2018https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/18/style/jordan-peterson-12-rules-for-life.htmlVinay Menon — ‘Jordan Peterson is trying to make sense of the world — including his own strange journey’, Toronto Star, 2018https://web.archive.org/web/20191219104703/https://www.thestar.com/news/insight/2018/03/16/jordan-peterson-is-trying-to-make-sense-of-the-world-including-his-own-strange-journey.htmlBernard Schiff — ‘I was Jordan Peterson’s strongest supporter. Now I think he’s dangerous’, Toronto Star, 2018https://web.archive.org/web/20200115120600/https:/www.thestar.com/opinion/2018/05/25/i-was-jordan-petersons-strongest-supporter-now-i-think-hes-dangerous.htmlJohanna Thomas-Corr — ‘Jordan Peterson, Agent of Chaos’, The New Statesman, 2021https://www.newstatesman.com/culture/books/2023/02/jordan-peterson-agent-chaos-psychologyJames Marriott — ‘Beyond Order by Jordan Peterson review’, The Times, 2021https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/beyond-order-by-jordan-b-peterson-review-qnhtgs2zjHelen Lewis — ‘What Happened to Jordan Peterson?’, The Atlantic, 2021https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2021/04/what-happened-to-jordan-peterson/618082/Written and presented by Dorian Lynskey and Ian Dunt. Audio production by Simon Williams. Music by Jade Bailey. Logo art by Mischa Welsh. Lead Producer is Anne-Marie Luff. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Origin Story is a Podmasters production.https://twitter.com/OriginStorycast   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Christopher Nolan has been generous enough to put together a full-on Origin Story film, combining key elements from the Nuclear War and McCarthyism episodes. So Dorian Lynskey and Ian Dunt put on their Oppenheimer cosplay outfits including suit trousers waisted up to the chest, and set off to the cinema to watch it. Here's what they had to say…Support Origin Story on Patreon for more bonus episodes: www.Patreon.com/originstorypod Reading List: Luis Alvarez – Alvarez: Adventures of a Physicist Martin Amis – Einstein’s Monsters Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin – American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer David C. Cassidy – J. Robert Oppenheimer and the American Century Sharon Ghamari-Tabrizi – The Worlds of Herman Kahn Herman Kahn – On Thermonuclear War William Lanouette – Genius in the Shadows: A Biography of Leo Szilard William L. Laurence – Dawn Over Zero: The Story of the Atomic Bomb Robert Jay Lifton and Richard Falk - Indefensible Weapons Ronald Reagan – An American Life Jonathan Schell – The Fate of the Earth P.D. Smith – Doomsday Men: The Real Dr Strangelove and the Dream of the Superweapon H.G. Wells – The World Set Free The Evolution of Nuclear Strategy, by Lawrence Freedman and Jeffrey MichaelsThe Ascent of Man by Jacob BronowskiWritten and presented by Dorian Lynskey and Ian Dunt. Audio production by Alex Rees, music by Jade Bailey. Logo art by Mischa Welsh. Lead Producer is Anne-Marie Luff. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Origin Story is a Podmasters production.https://twitter.com/OriginStorycast  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices