Past Present Future

Delve into the complex duality of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, exploring themes like hypocrisy, control, and conflicting desires. Compare two murder mysteries in London showcasing different motives. Unravel the transformation's impact on relationships and societal constraints. Reflect on the intertwined identities of characters and their public-private persona divide, drawing parallels to real-world figures like Hillary Clinton. Explore themes of human division in literature and anticipate the upcoming episode dissecting H.G. Wells' works.

The podcast dives into the political intrigue of Anthony Trollope's novel 'Phineas Redux,' exploring power plays, manipulation, and the struggle between principles and pragmatism in the Victorian political landscape. It delves into the complexity of characters, the dynamics of political maneuvering, and the delicate balance between personal integrity and party loyalty.

Exploring power dynamics in George Eliot's Middlemarch, the podcast delves into religion, reputation, and moral dilemmas. From the contrast between clergyman Fairbother and Kazubon to the unveiling of Ballstrode's hypocrisy, listeners are taken on a journey of deception, blackmail, and love. The impact of public opinion on individual choices and struggles with financial stability add layers to the storyline, making for a gripping discussion on morality and ambition.

Delve into the intricate themes of morality and power in 'Middlemarch', a novel set in 1829-32 that challenges Nietzsche's moralistic label. Explore how personal relationships in the book reveal deep political undertones. Stay tuned for part 2 on marriage, hypocrisy, guilt, and redemption.

Helen Lewis joins to discuss Mesmerism, delving into its origins, societal impacts, and connections to modern phenomena. Topics include Franz Mesmer as a healer or charlatan, the evolution of Mesmerism, gender bias in medical research, psychological influences on health, and parallels to social contagion and hypnotherapy.

Kathleen Stock discusses Roland Barthes's Death of the Author, exploring how readers interpret texts, AI-generated content, and the impact on authorial intent and reader empowerment. The conversation delves into the evolving landscape of authorship and responsibility, urging a nuanced approach to understanding and judgment.

Writer and broadcaster Helen Lewis discusses the history of anti-suffragettes, exploring why women were against female enfranchisement, the failings of men, and where these arguments can still be heard today. The podcast delves into the fear and suspicion surrounding women's suffrage, the radical actions of suffragettes, the influence of anti-suffrage movements on modern American politics, and the resurfacing of past arguments in contemporary gender debates.

Geneticist Adam Rutherford discusses the harmful impact of Linnaean taxonomy, from scientific racism to SEO. The conversation covers human evolution theories, genetics, AI biases, and language evolution. Can we break free from taxonomy's influence?

Historian Christopher Clark discusses the complexities of antisemitism throughout European history, exploring the unique nature of discrimination against Jews, the historical roots of anti-Semitic beliefs, and the connection between Jewish identity and capitalism. The conversation also delves into the impact of emancipation on the Jewish community, the historical discourse on Israel, and explores possible historical outcomes in 1914.

Philosopher and journalist Kathleen Stock discusses the performative nature of online friendship on Facebook. The episode explores how social media impacts relationships, mental well-being, and academic susceptibility to its madness. Are the failings of online friendship more about Facebook or us? Stay tuned for future episodes on bad ideas and discussions on antisemitism.