Faith in the age of reason

Born 400 years ago, philosopher Blaise Pascal was one of the first philosophers to grapple with the role of faith in an age of science and reason

Remembering Astrud Gilberto

Astrud Gilberto’s sweet and sensual rendition of “The Girl from Ipanema” brought bossa nova to the world but she was never adopted by her home country of Brazil.

In praise of sophistry

Sophistry has negative modern connotations of arguing with falsehoods in bad faith, but understanding its ancient roots might help navigate uncertainty and political divisions with more grace than is usual today.

10 reasons to watch Succession (again)

Over the course of 40 episodes, the HBO hit Succession seamlessly mixed explosive comedy with dismal tragedy and – unlike so many hit shows – nailed the final episode to cement its place in TV history.

Here be monsters

Technology is developing fast – so fast that it threatens to overwhelm the very species whose genius lies in its technological cunning – Homo Sapiens.

Farewell Martin Amis

Martin Amis, the pre-eminent novelist-critic of his generation, has died at the age of 73. Never afraid to criticise contemporary society – or defend it from those who would destroy it – he will be greatly missed.

Happy Roman Mothers’ Day

Mothers in Ancient Rome didn’t get breakfast in bed and a bouquet on their equivalent of ‘Mothers Day’ but served their slaves and offered flowers to a goddess instead.

The Wicker Man at 50

The Wicker Man remains one of the best and most influential British horror films. If you’ve never seen it, go and watch it. If you’ve already seen it, then go watch it again. Warning this appreciation contains spoilers!

This is nice

Most college commencement speeches are entirely disposable, but Kurt Vonnegut’s advice to college graduates still resonates today.

Where’s the beef?

The hit new Netflix show Beef is much more than just a show about road rage – WARNING this review contains spoilers so go watch the show first.

Put down your phone, pick up a book

We’d all be happier, more engaged and better informed if we put down our phones and picked up a book.

All rivers led to Rome

The expression “All roads lead to Rome” encapsulates the might of the Roman Empire, but the arteries which carried its lifeblood – food, fuel, livestock and luxuries – were not roads, but rivers.