Past Present Future

The podcast explores the power of essays and their evolution from Montaigne to contemporary writers. It discusses a notable essay from 2020 and delves into the challenges faced by a Chinese American writer and her mother in a new country. The emotional strain of caregiving, the impact of online attacks, and the lasting effects of cruelty are also explored. The podcast emphasizes the significance of personal essays and announces future episodes and a series of 12 essays starting on Christmas Day.

Leading economists Dieter Helm and Diane Coyle discuss building sustainability into our lives. They critique GDP as a measure of well-being, propose modified versions of universal basic income, and stress the importance of accurate economic data. They explore local vs international optimism, the state of the UK economy, and the politics of English devolution. They also mention Dieter Helm's free book on building the sustainable economy.

Lea Ypi, a political expert and optimist about socialism, joins David to answer questions about democracy. They discuss the tension between democratic freedom and anarchy, the connection between democracy and human rights, the role of individual power and regulation in modern society, conflicting views on big government and bureaucracy, the significance of paperwork in the rule of law, and the complex relationship between human rights and democracy. Lea also shares personal experiences and emphasizes the importance of criticizing and advocating for alternatives to the current society.

Ta-Nehisi Coates, writer and author, discusses 'The Case for Reparations'. Topics include the exploitation of black Americans within their own community, debt servitude faced by black Americans in the 20th century, challenges in the housing market, the disproportionate impact of poverty on marginalized communities, vulnerabilities and exploitation in different systems, and the role of money in resistance against exploitation.

Lea Ypi, a political scientist, discusses the grip of nationalism on democracy, exploring alternatives such as cosmopolitanism and challenges of a world state. The podcast also examines the potential for democracy in corporations and the economic imperative overriding democracy and nationalism.

Historian and essayist Jill Lepore discusses gun rights as a matter of principle, the appeal of insurrection, and the possibility of another civil war in America. She examines the historical context of gun ownership and the NRA's transformation, as well as the interpretation of the Second Amendment. Lepore explores the rise of the carceral state, the strain on political representation, and the impact of the pandemic on voting. She also explores scenarios for change, including LGBTQ visibility and revolution in the Republican party.

This podcast explores the concept of the Leviacene as an alternative to the Anthropocene, discussing the impact of politics and economics on planetary destruction. It delves into human qualities, power dynamics, and technological advancements. The speaker proposes reevaluating the influence of modern states and corporations and questions the idea of solely blaming humanity for the current state of the world. Future scenarios and the importance of reconnecting artificial versions of humanity are also explored.

Umberto Eco discusses the true nature of scandals, secrets, and the hidden workings of power. The essay links digital technology, medieval mystery, and Dan Brown. The podcast explores the rise and fall of WikiLeaks, diplomats as spies, the value of face-to-face interaction, Julian Assange, and the challenges of shaping information.

Lea Ypi, a political philosopher and author, joins David to discuss rethinking democracy. They explore the purpose and justification of democracy, the role of coalitions, challenges and potential for international democracy, and the role of faith in politics. This conversation sets the stage for future episodes about rethinking the ideas that made the modern world.

Mary Beard, renowned historian and author, discusses the nature of unaccountable power in ancient Rome and today. They explore the governance of the Roman Empire, double standards in Roman society, Mark Zuckerberg's fascination with Augustus, parallels between tech titans and Roman emperors, Caesarism in contemporary democracy, and the absurdity of Roman emperors being deified.