Past Present Future

Lea Ypi, a writer and political philosopher known for her insights on Marxism and life behind the Iron Curtain, delves into the revolutionary life of Rosa Luxemburg. They explore how personal and political realms intertwine, questioning whether revolutionary politics necessitates a revolutionary lifestyle. Ypi highlights Luxemburg's complex relationship with theories of reform versus revolution, her unique perspective on democracy, and her critique of contemporary politics, making a compelling case for the relevance of Luxemburg's ideas today.

Lee Hall, acclaimed playwright behind hits like Billy Elliot and Rocketman, dives into the rich themes of Louis Malle's My Dinner with Andre. He discusses the film's unique two-hander structure and the philosophical debates between its characters, exploring topics like capitalism, privilege, and the nature of performance. Hall shares his personal encounters with Andre Gregory and reflects on the film's lasting cultural impact, while also navigating the fine line between authenticity and performance in art. It's a thought-provoking chat layered with humor and depth.

Nicci Gerrard and Sean French, crime writers known for their psychological thrillers, dive into Alfred Hitchcock’s Rope. They explore the film's themes of murder, morality, and voyeurism, questioning James Stewart's casting and dissecting Hitchcock's use of dark humor. The discussion touches on the unsettling legacy of the Leopold and Loeb case, the film's treatment of women, and its Nietzschean undertones. Nicci and Sean also share insights from their own crime writing, examining the hidden violence in ordinary people and the complexities of adaptation.

This podcast delves into Nelson Mandela's complex legal battles against apartheid. It explores his evolution from a lawyer to a convicted prisoner, highlighting key moments in his trials. The narrative examines the tension between engaging in a corrupt legal system and outright rejection of its legitimacy. Mandela's powerful courtroom speeches and strategic shifts toward sabotage are discussed, revealing his political motives. Listeners will discover the blurred lines between defendants and their lawyers, showcasing the sacrifices made for justice.

Dive into the gripping trial of Eichmann, the architect of the Holocaust, and the controversial book by Hannah Arendt. Explore her provocative concept of 'the banality of evil' and the criticisms surrounding the trial’s legitimacy. Discover the complexities of Eichmann’s character, from his meek demeanor to his bureaucratic cunning. Arendt’s incendiary claims about Jewish complicity ignite heated debate, while the trial itself becomes a staged morality lesson. Unpack this captivating clash of legal, ethical, and historical narratives.

Explore the gripping 1960 obscenity trial of D.H. Lawrence's Lady Chatterley's Lover, where Penguin Books fought against censorship. Delve into the prosecution's attempts to label the book a menace to morals, and the expert witnesses who defended its literary merit. Discover the intriguing dynamics of the jury, their reading habits in the jury room, and the contentious sexual passages that stirred debate. Unearth how class snobbery influenced the trial's outcome and the judge's blunders that impacted the verdict that changed literary history.

Ian McEwan, a renowned novelist and author of *What We Can Know*, shares his thoughts on resilience in a world facing existential threats. He explores how future generations might perceive our era, balancing between cultural vibrancy and catastrophe. McEwan discusses the impact of digital ephemera on memory and the importance of the humanities in preserving our collective past. The conversation highlights the challenge of agency versus fatalism, suggesting that, even amid chaos, there's potential for meaningful connections and cultural survival.

Historian Robert Saunders, an expert in modern British political history, joins the discussion on Margaret Thatcher's enduring legacy. They explore the complex nature of Thatcherism today, debating whether political successors have truly inherited her mantle. Saunders challenges myths surrounding Thatcher's leadership style, revealing her pragmatic side. The conversation also touches on the shifting Conservative Party dynamics post-1990 and discusses the impact of crises like Brexit and COVID on Thatcher's political image, making this a thought-provoking analysis of her lasting influence.

Historian Robert Saunders dives deep into Margaret Thatcher's legacy, marking a century since her birth. He explores how she became the embodiment of 'Thatcherism,' her uncanny ability to frame political struggles, and her unlikely rise from Grantham to Prime Minister. The discussion highlights her moral convictions, the significance of monetarism, and pivotal moments like the Falklands War and the miners' strike. Saunders also evaluates Thatcher's decline, examining her later hubris and shift towards Euroscepticism. An insightful journey through a complex political figure!

Henry Gee, a palaeontologist and science writer, dives into the fascinating story of Homo sapiens, detailing our origins and ascent to dominance. He explores how early humans used tools, their unique adaptations for bipedalism, and the social structures that supported survival. The conversation also discusses our vulnerability, the replacement of other hominins, and the cognitive advantages that drove cultural development. Gee warns that our peak may signal a drift towards extinction, raising questions about humanity's future in a rapidly changing world.