66. One is a Whole
Matthew Syed explores the widely held belief that romantic love is the key to happiness. He speaks to those who are defying convention, by choosing to live a single life.
We all know the power of a great love story. In films, literature, television - a βhappy endingβ is shorthand for the main characters coupling up at the end. But are these romantic aspirations really a key ingredient for a happy and fulfilled life?
Matthew Syed explores the idea that you can be long term single, and happy.
Social scientist Bella DePaulo always knew that marriage wasnβt for her. At 70 years-old, she is happily single, and always has been. Sheβs spent her career researching, writing and speaking on the single experience, in an effort to dismantle the conventional wisdom that a happy, fulfilled life, means a coupled-up one.
Matthew speaks to Yale sociologist and PhD candidate Hannah Tessler about her research into the complex, expansive relationship networks of single people.
We also hear from David Bather Wood, an Assistant Professor from the University Warwick, who explains how a philosophical parable about porcupines, dating back to the 1830s, influenced contemporary understandings of the choice to live a single life.
Presenter: Matthew Syed
Producer: Leona Hameed
Series Editor: Katherine Godfrey
Sound Design and Mix: Rob Speight
Theme Music: Ioana Selaru
A Novel production for ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4
Last on
Broadcasts
- Wed 28 Aug 2024 09:00ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4
- Fri 30 Aug 2024 16:30ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4
Featured in...
My last 5p: How one homeless manβs generosity led to him marrying the love of his life
Why we all need an alter ego
What's the secret of making a smash hit pop song?
Podcast
-
Sideways
Matthew Syed explores the ideas that shape our lives, making us see the world differently.