
Human Intelligence
In Human Intelligence, Naomi Alderman dissects the minds of brilliant thinkers from the past; examining the myriad ways in which humans think and realising that great minds don't, in fact, think alike.
Latest episodes

Jan 20, 2025 • 14min
Collectors: Charles Darwin
Darwin asked big questions. His theory of evolution transformed our understanding of life on Earth. But Naomi Alderman discovers that he did it by looking at small things and tiny changes that other people had overlooked. From earliest childhood, he’d been a collector – pocketing shells, coins, minerals, bits of pottery and rooftiles – and his travels on HMS Beagle allowed him to amass a vast collection of specimens and observations that he and others would puzzle over for decades.Special thanks to Dr John van Wyhe, historian of science at the National University of Singapore and the Director of The Complete Work of Charles Darwin Online. Produced by BBC Studios Audio in partnership with The Open University.Presenter: Naomi Alderman
Executive editor: James Cook
Assistant producer: Sarah Goodman
Researcher: Harry Burton
Production coordinator: Amelia Paul
Script consultant: Sara Joyner

Jan 20, 2025 • 15min
Collectors: Samuel Johnson
Samuel Johnson was living proof that a person can be extremely messy and disorganised but still do work of great worth. He compiled and almost single-handedly wrote an English dictionary that changed the language for good. ‘Dictionary Johnson’ established the spelling and meaning of many words; he looked at etymology; he poked fun and cracked jokes. He lived hand to mouth, writing for money, and helped establish the modern literary world.Special thanks to Judith Hawley, Professor of Eighteenth-Century Literature at Royal Holloway, University of London. Produced by BBC Studios Audio in partnership with The Open University.

Jan 20, 2025 • 14min
Collectors: Pamphila
Naomi Alderman examines the intelligence and sharp humour of an ancient Greek historian known as Pamphila of Epidaurus. She was a female historian working in a society that believed women were constitutionally unsuited to the rational and peculiarly masculine task of recording facts for posterity. She wrote thirty-three volumes of her famed Historical Commentaries from her home. She wrote for fun, organising her material in a free and easy mix, like ‘embroidery’. We have none of her original writings, just reported fragments, but she gave us cultural history as we know it today, centuries ahead of time.Special thanks to Edith Hall, Professor of Classics at Durham University. Produced by BBC Studios Audio in partnership with The Open University.

Jan 20, 2025 • 15min
Collectors: Denis Diderot
Naomi Alderman looks at the remarkable way Denis Diderot connected ideas and people. In 18th-century Paris, he edited one of the very first encyclopaedias: twenty-eight volumes with tens of thousands of articles on everything from the concept of liberty to cutting-edge medical research, the manufacture of silk stockings and a recipe for apricot jam. Diderot was the perfect man for the job – energised by veering from one subject to the next and undeterred by fierce opposition from the Church or even a government ban on the entire project. Special thanks to Kate Tunstall, Professor of French and Sir Lindsay Owen-Jones Fellow in Modern Languages at Worcester College, University of Oxford.Produced by BBC Studios Audio in partnership with The Open University.

Jan 20, 2025 • 15min
Collectors: Sei Shōnagon
Naomi Alderman wonders at lady-in-waiting, writer and all-round entertainer Sei Shōnagon, who wrote The Pillow Book over a thousand years ago in the Japanese imperial court.The Empress and her entourage lived in a closed world, glimpsed through half-shut blinds, while political machinations went on all around them. Poetry and wit were highly prized; and Sei Shōnagon was unmatched. In dark times, she picked out the beauty and absurdity in everyday life; and pulled together poetry, anecdote, essays and lists to create a whole new genre in Japanese – miscellany. Special thanks to Naomi Fukumori, Associate Professor and Director of The Institute for Japanese Studies at The Ohio State University.Excerpts from The Pillow Book translated by Meredith McKinney (Penguin Classics 2006).Produced by BBC Studios Audio in partnership with The Open University.

Jan 13, 2025 • 15min
Teachers: Diogenes
Explore the eccentric world of Diogenes, the sharp-witted cynic who lived authentically like a dog, challenging societal norms with humor and audacity. Discover his critique of materialism and embrace of simplicity, along with his profound influence on modern ideals like minimalism and environmentalism. The conversation also touches on the power of youth and creativity in sparking change, drawing parallels with historical figures who embodied courage and defiance against oppression.

Jan 13, 2025 • 14min
Teachers: Peter Ramus
Dive into the daring life of Peter Ramus, an audacious educator who revolutionized textbooks and made knowledge accessible to all. Discover how his methods challenged elite educational norms in 16th century France, sparking intellectual change. Ramus wasn't just a thinker; he was a fighter for inclusivity in learning. Explore inspiring stories of young heroes like Nelson Mandela, who embodied the spirit of rebellion and courage, proving that youth can drive societal transformation against all odds.

Jan 13, 2025 • 15min
Teachers: Mary Somerville
Explore the remarkable life of Mary Somerville, a 19th-century polymath who balanced family life while reshaping science. Discover how her writings bridged various disciplines, making complex topics accessible and influencing future generations of scientists. Learn about her remarkable journey as a woman in a male-dominated field, showcasing resilience and dedication. Dive into how her interdisciplinary approach led to groundbreaking advancements, including the discovery of Neptune, and the vital role she played in fostering scientific collaboration.

Jan 13, 2025 • 14min
Teachers: Maimonides
Naomi Alderman takes us on a journey through the life and mind of Maimonides, a medieval philosopher who beautifully balanced faith and reason. Discover how his renowned work, 'A Guide for the Perplexed', aimed to bridge the gap between religious belief and philosophical thought. The discussion also highlights Maimonides' revolutionary views on charity and multiculturalism, alongside courageous historical figures who stood for justice. These stories inspire us to reflect on the power of youth in driving change and the enduring relevance of Maimonides' ideas today.

Jan 13, 2025 • 15min
Teachers: Michael Faraday
Explore the fascinating life of Michael Faraday, a trailblazer in electrical science and the inventor of the electric motor. Discover his unique experimental methods and unwavering commitment to public science education. Delve into how his legacy paved the way for modern STEM initiatives and transformed access to scientific knowledge. The podcast also touches on the inspiring stories of young heroes throughout history, showcasing their courage and impact on the world.