Intelligence Squared

Oliver Burkeman, an acclaimed author and journalist, shares profound insights on how to live with intention. He discusses the liberation of effortless engagement, urging listeners to prioritize joy over relentless productivity. The concept of 'scruffy hospitality' is introduced, encouraging authentic connections without the burden of perfection. Burkeman also addresses the pressures of imposter syndrome and the importance of embracing imperfections, reminding us that true fulfillment comes from meaningful experiences and accepting our limitations.

In this engaging discussion, Oliver Burkeman, a celebrated author and journalist known for his work on productivity and time management, shares transformative insights on living well. He challenges the relentless pursuit of productivity and encourages listeners to embrace their limitations. Burkeman explores the struggle of modern life against societal pressures, advocating for a focus on what truly matters. He also uses the metaphors of kayaking versus sailing super yachts to illustrate the unpredictable nature of life, urging a shift toward acceptance and fulfillment.

In this engaging discussion, Jonathan Haidt, a social psychologist and bestselling author renowned for his insights on morality and technology's effects on youth, tackles the mental health crisis afflicting today's young individuals. He links the rise in adolescent distress to a decline in free play and the rampant use of smartphones. Haidt offers practical strategies for parents and educators to combat these challenges. This conversation illuminates how to reclaim agency in a digital age and fosters hope for a brighter future for the anxious generation.

In this insightful discussion, Jonathan Haidt, a social psychologist and bestselling author of 'The Anxious Generation', dives into the alarming mental health crisis among today's youth. He links this rise in anxiety to the decline of free play and the overwhelming influence of smartphones. Haidt shares practical strategies for parents and educators to foster resilience in children, emphasizing the need for independence in childhood. He also critiques social media's role in shaping behavior and community, urging a reevaluation of its impact on young lives.

Tiffany Jenkins, a cultural historian and author of Strangers & Intimates, dives into the historical and evolving concept of privacy. She discusses how privacy is shaped by societal influences, tracing its significance from ancient times to today’s digital era. The conversation touches on the impact of the Reformation on private beliefs, the historical roles of women in public vs. private spheres, and the tension between surveillance and personal freedom. Carl Miller joins the discussion, adding a contemporary perspective on our need for privacy in an increasingly open society.

In a thought-provoking discussion, historians Dominic Sandbrook, Max Hastings, John Charmley, and Margaret MacMillan debate Britain's involvement in the First World War. Sandbrook and Charmley argue that staying neutral could have spared immense suffering, while Hastings counters, highlighting the moral imperative to resist German dominance. MacMillan emphasizes the ethical obligations that motivated Britain to fight. The conversation challenges traditional narratives about national identity and the moral justifications for war, inviting listeners to reevaluate historical perceptions.

Understanding how the diversity of life on earth came to be is one of the greatest puzzles in biology. In his new book, The Tree of Life: Solving Science's Greatest Puzzle, Professor Max Telford charts a four-billion-year journey through the evolution of our planet, from humans, fish and butterflies to oak trees, mushrooms and bacteria.On today’s episode, Professor Telford sheds light on an epic history of the family tree that records the relationships between every living thing - from Darwin’s early sketches to the vast computer generated diagrams scientists are building today, this is an epic history of the gigantic Professor Max Telford is an evolutionary biologist and the Jodrell Chair of Zoology and Comparative Anatomy at University College London, where he founded the Centre for Life's Origins and Evolution and the Telford Lab. Joining Telford to discuss the book is Güneş Taylor, Fellow at the Centre for Reproductive Health and science communicator.If you'd like to become a Member and get access to all our full conversations, plus all of our Members-only content, just visit intelligencesquared.com/membership to find out more.For £4.99 per month you'll also receive:- Full-length and ad-free Intelligence Squared episodes, wherever you get your podcasts- Bonus Intelligence Squared podcasts, curated feeds and members exclusive series- 15% discount on livestreams and in-person tickets for all Intelligence Squared events ... Or Subscribe on Apple for £4.99:- Full-length and ad-free Intelligence Squared podcasts- Bonus Intelligence Squared podcasts, curated feeds and members exclusive series…Already a subscriber? Thank you for supporting our mission to foster honest debate and compelling conversations! Visit intelligencesquared.com to explore all your benefits including ad-free podcasts, exclusive bonus content and early access.…Subscribe to our newsletter here to hear about our latest events, discounts and much more.https://www.intelligencesquared.com/newsletter-signup/Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alice Mah, a sociologist and author, explores the intricate ties between ancestry and ecological anxiety. Drawing from her family's journey from rice-growing villages in South China to Western Canada, she reflects on the emotions tied to honoring heritage amidst environmental degradation. Themes of cultural memory, the fading Qingming Festival rituals, and the haunting notion of 'hungry ghosts' illustrate deep intergenerational responsibilities. Mah urges us to reconcile with our past while navigating the complexities of modern identity and climate grief.

Laura Spinney, a renowned science writer and journalist, is joined by global historian Caroline Dodds Pennock to explore the fascinating legacy of Proto-Indo-European, the ancient tongue that influenced countless modern languages. They discuss how this prehistoric language spread across continents due to trade and migration. The duo also unravels the intricate relationship between language evolution and human movement, revealing how wheeled vehicles played a pivotal role in cultural exchange. Their insights shed light on the connections between language, identity, and history.

Join literary heavyweights John Mullan, a Professor of English Literature, and Kate Mosse, a devoted Brontë enthusiast, as they dive into the fierce debate between Jane Austen and Emily Brontë. They dissect Austen's sharp social critiques versus Brontë's raw emotional intensity found in 'Wuthering Heights.' Expect discussions on character depth, societal expectations, and revolutionary themes that challenge norms. Personal anecdotes and engaging arguments will have you pondering who truly reigns in English literature.