Alain de Botton gives a philosopher's take on our ecological dilemmas. He argues that fear of environmental destruction has changed for ever our relationship with nature. Far from being a threat, it is now something to be pitied and protected. There are also changes in the way we view ourselves. As we take a trip to Florence to see some Titians or run water to brush our teeth, we're being asked to reconceeve of ourselves as unthinking killers. Producer: Adele Armstrong.
Jan 21, 2011•10 min
Alain de Botton argues that in our mad desire to keep up with what's new, we have lost our ability to concentrate. We are made to feel, he says, that "at any point, somewhere on the globe, something may occur to sweep away old certainties". How was it, he wonders, that for Christians, there has been no news of "world-altering significance to their faith" since 30 AD? He suggests that a period of fasting from our obsession with "news" may be what's needed. Producer: Adele Armstrong.
Jan 14, 2011•10 min
Alain de Botton with his topical reflections. In the first of a new series, Alain argues that teachers of humanities in universities have only themselves to blame for many of the swingeing cuts they're facing. He says they've failed to explain to the government - and the public at large - why what they do really matters. And he says humanities teaching must find a new relevance in today's cash-strapped Britain. Producer: Adele Armstrong.
Jan 07, 2011•10 min
Joan Bakewell celebrates the art of diary writing by public figures and private individuals whose accounts of everyday life help shape our view of the past. Producer: Sheila Cook.
Dec 31, 2010•10 min
Joan Bakewell contrasts our empathy for fictional characters on the stage and on screen with a reported growing lack of sympathy for real people in need. When the prevailing culture is one of self-regard and narcissism the quiet work of charities deserves all the more applause. Producer: Sheila Cook.
Dec 17, 2010•10 min
Clive James reflects on the human condition and the need for liberal democracy to spread to allow future generations to enjoy the fruits of progress.
Dec 25, 2009•10 min
Clive James vents his frustration at automated customer systems and finds them a poor substitute for dealing with real people.
Dec 18, 2009•10 min
A weekly reflection on a topical issue. Clive James reflects on the media coverage of man-made global warming and the need for minds to be open.
Dec 11, 2009•10 min
Clive James reflects that in a democracy we must never be complacent about any government initiative and warns of the dangers that a new plan for calculating funding for universities may pose to academic freedom.
Dec 04, 2009•10 min
A weekly reflection on a topical issue from Clive James. The spirit in which the game is played determines whether he likes or loathes the sport.
Nov 27, 2009•10 min
Clive James reflects on the revelation of the identity of Belle de Jour, the author of The Diary of a London Call Girl.
Nov 20, 2009•10 min
Clive James celebrates the honouring of Battle of Britain commander Sir Keith Park with a temporary statue on Trafalgar Square's fourth plinth.
Nov 13, 2009•10 min
Clive James reflects on the seductive allure of illegal narcotics, and lays the blame for their attractions at the door of Samuel Taylor Coleridge and his trip to Xanadu.
Nov 06, 2009•10 min
Clive James reflects on the postal workers' dispute and gives his personal view of the modern history of labour relations.
Oct 30, 2009•10 min
Clive James reflects on the importance of scepticism in every walk of life, and he criticises extreme reactions to those who are sceptical about man-made global warming.
Oct 23, 2009•10 min
Clive James observes that while democracy is the right system for governing a country, it's the wrong system for choosing a professor of poetry.
May 29, 2009•10 min
A weekly reflection on a topical issue from Clive James.
May 22, 2009•10 min
Clive James reflects on democracy, MPs' expenses and the furore over the Oxford Poetry Professorship.
May 15, 2009•10 min
Clive James wonders what it says about the British attitude to poetry that we have the institution of the Poet Laureateship.
May 08, 2009•10 min
Loft extensions are for ordinary citizens. When the property market gets tough, the wealthy dig down to create the ultimate den, says Clive James – but he thinks it’s a worrying sign that rich people living in London are developing a bunker mentality.
May 01, 2009•10 min
Clive James wonders what the reaction to Susan Boyle’s performance on a television talent show has to tell us about the progress of feminism, and how far appearance still matters – even in the world of serious singing.
Apr 24, 2009•10 min
Clive James reflects on what it takes to make – and break – a good reputation in public life. He concludes that the government’s latest euphemism ‘reputational damage’ to describe the fallout concerning Gordon Brown’s special adviser Damian McBride, after he plotted to smear an opposition politician, is fooling no-one.
Apr 17, 2009•10 min
The cane toad was brought to Australia for pest control - since when an army has marched across the continent, multiplying as it goes. But surely its own example questions the logic of trying to wipe out this gamekeeper turned poacher, says Clive James.
Apr 10, 2009•10 min
After years of watching late-night porn in anonymous hotel rooms - for research - its purpose is clear, says Clive James: to keep one's mind off sex while one's partner is absent.
Apr 03, 2009•10 min
Clive James reflects on the downfall of a distinguished Australian judge, who was jailed for perjury after lying about a speeding offence.
Mar 27, 2009•10 min
Clive James makes a prediction for the New Year – that from now on, the era of silly-money is over and getting rich quick will no longer be something to admire. Getting rich for its own sake, says Clive, will look as stupid as bodybuilding does at that point when the neck gets thicker than the head and the thighs and biceps look like four plastic kit-bags full of tofu.
Jan 02, 2009•10 min
Whatever you believe in when it comes to the birth of Christ, even if you believe in nothing at all, no one can doubt the personal force of Jesus says Clive James, as he reflects on life beyond the grave, Shakespeare’s beliefs and the man and spirit of Jesus Christ.
Dec 26, 2008•10 min
The hardest part of Christmas is not socialising with family, nor hauling coal or peeling potatoes - it's wrapping the presents, says Clive James, as he anticipates with some dread the seasonal tasks awaiting him as he uncovers the deeper meaning of gift wrapping.
Dec 19, 2008•9 min
Forget proud traditions and cultural exports - a nation's identity is bolstered if Americans know about it. Just ask the Canadians, says Clive James, as he explores the question of national identity and why it really is preferable to see Santa and his elves in Lapland rather than in the New Forest.
Dec 12, 2008•10 min
Are we naturally able to think clearly when surrounded by mess, asks Clive James, because chaos is inherent in all our minds - even those of the great writers and thinkers. He reveals why he is glad the chaos of his own office is not featured in a new exhibition called ‘Writers’ Rooms’.
Dec 05, 2008•10 min
