Arts & Ideas

Helen Charman, historian of motherhood; Beth Mallory, linguist of pregnancy language; Corinne Low, economist of reproductive capital; Patrick Foulis, economic journalist; John Callanan, philosopher on Mandeville. They discuss meanings of productivity, invisible domestic labour, how childbirth language shapes care, Mandeville’s influence on economic thought, AI’s promise, and debates over valuing home production.

Clare Carlisle, philosopher of selfhood; Lawrence Scott, commentator on digital persona; Peter Parker, historian of queer life; Ashleigh Percival-Borleigh, military historian of wartime cover identities; Ruth Wilson, actress who uncovered her grandfather's secret lives. They trace wartime cover stories, hidden mid‑century families, online personas and theatrical performance. Short, sharp conversations on concealment, performance and divided lives.

AN Wilson, a biographer and historian, teams up with Fern Riddell, a historian focused on Victorian sexuality, Sarah Williams, a research professor on Victorian social reform, and Matthew Stallard, an expert on Victorian imperialism. Together, they unpack misconceptions of 'Victorian values' and discuss the complexities of Victorian sexual culture, social reformations like the fight against child labor, and the legacy of figures such as Josephine Butler. They explore the intricate contradictions of the era, from civic pride to the darker aspects of power and morality.

Join a thought-provoking discussion with Tim Minshall, a renowned Professor of Innovation at Cambridge, and Margaret Heffernan, a savvy entrepreneur and author. They delve into the essence of innovation, addressing the significance of incremental change and the myths of the lone innovator. Agnes Arnold-Forster reflects on nostalgia's impact during rapid societal shifts, while Christina Faraday explores Tudor reluctance toward novelty. The group ultimately emphasizes the need for a humane perspective on innovation, pondering vital questions for the future.

Join historian Bettany Hughes, travel journalist Mary Novakovich, philosopher Julian Baggini, and others as they dive into the ever-evolving meaning of travel. They explore the allure of ancient journeys and the significance of the Grand Tour, while Baggini questions the assumption that travel broadens the mind. The conversation touches on the impact of social media on authentic experiences, the roles women have played in shaping travel narratives, and the challenge of balancing planning with serendipity for deeper encounters.

In a lively discussion, Tom Hodgkinson, editor of The Idler, advocates for leisure as a craft, while Polly Dickson explores doodling as a creative form of idleness. Katrien Devolder introduces concepts like justified effort management in a productivity-driven world. Doctor Gavin Francis connects idleness to health, revealing its role in convalescence. Cultural historian Steve Connor enriches the conversation with historical perspectives, highlighting the philosophical debates surrounding idleness as both a virtue and a societal stigma.

Anne Applebaum, a Pulitzer Prize-winning historian, discusses the traits of modern autocrats and their reliance on societal consent. Selina Todd critiques the 'great man' narrative, emphasizing the relational power of class. Clare Jackson highlights the limited power of historical monarchs, while Jake Subryan Richards explores the complexities of abolition and the agency of liberated Africans. Rupert Read underscores the role of networks in climate action and advocates for counterfactual thinking to inspire collective action. Together, they ponder whether individuals or structures shape history.

This discussion features Josh Cohen, a psychoanalyst and literary scholar exploring the ties between literature and relationships; Zoe Strimpel, a journalist investigating the evolving concept of family; Diarmaid MacCulloch, a historian delving into the historical and religious facets of marriage; Reetika Subramanian, a researcher examining marriage ties to economic vulnerability; and Catherine Wheatley, a philosopher analyzing the dynamics of remarriage comedies. They cover themes like the historical evolution of marriage, cultural trends, and the impact of modern pressures on relationships.

Anjana Katwa, an earth scientist and author, shares how rocks whisper tales from deep time, while Rosemary Hill delves into the cultural significance of Stonehenge's stones. Peter Frankopan explores how geology influences history and geopolitics, shedding light on resource-driven conflicts. Philosopher Graham Harman discusses stones' roles in object-oriented ontology, suggesting they have agency. Poet Sarah Jackson reflects on the poetic connection to rocks, emphasizing the need for broader geological language to address environmental justice and the hidden stories in our landscape.

Natalie Haynes, a classicist and author, discusses how ancient Greek tragedies like Medea frame revenge and reconciliation. Neuroscientist Nicholas Wright delves into the brain's instinct for revenge and its complexities. Former soldier Ashleigh Percival-Borley shares insights on military conditioning and collective reconciliation's needs. Philosopher Andy West highlights restorative justice's role in addressing trauma and breaks down Machiavelli's views on power and forgiveness. The conversation navigates the delicate balance between justice and the darker impulses of human nature.