A weekly reflection on a topical issue. Read more
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A weekly reflection on a topical issue.
The Nature of Time
Will Self reflects on the unsettling nature of time.
Cognitive Decline
Tom Shakespeare says wisdom in middle age is some compensation for cognitive decline.
Trial by Select Committee
Tom Shakespeare thinks that reformed select committees have revitalised Parliament.
The Price of Independence
Tom Shakespeare says that disabled people's right to independent living is under threat.
Mankle Image Crisis
Howard Jacobson thinks skimpy suits show men are suffering from a self-image crisis.
Life's a Selfie
Howard Jacobson explains why he dislikes the narcissism of the selfie.
Ideology Versus Art
Howard Jacobson explains why he prefers art to ideology, especially at election time.
Commemorative Style
David Cannadine compares the style of national commemorations in the US and in Britain.
Leaders Old and Young
David Cannadine reflects on the merits of youth and age in political leaders.
Election View
A American writer PJ O'Rourke gives his view of the UK election.
Presidents as Monarchs
David Cannadine says Barack Obama is not the first American president to act like a king.
Politics of Hope
AL Kennedy says the election results in Scotland reflect a surge in political engagement.
In Praise of Courtesy
AL Kennedy explores the merits of courtesy, but she points out that it can be complicated.
AL Kennedy: Creamola Foam remembered
AL Kennedy reflects on how age changes our view of the past and the future.
AL Kennedy: The Worth of Education
AL Kennedy on the drive to make money out of education.
Adam Gopnik: Indispensable Man
Adam Gopnik concludes there are no indispensable people in any family or organisation.
Adam Gopnik: Words and Music
Adam Gopnik's casts light on the mysterious relationship between words and music.
Adam Gopnik: Family Reunions
Adam Gopnik's ten-year family reunion brings into focus the passage of time.
Adam Gopnik: Power, Persecution and Pluralism
Adam Gopnik wonders why religious people are feeling 'persecuted' by same-sex marriage.
Adam Gopnik: In Praise of Privacy
Adam Gopnik reflects on the need to protect private communications in the internet age.
Peter Aspden: In Love with Greece
Peter Aspden reflects on the emotional power of the cultural influence of Greece.
Adam Gopnik: Role Reversal
Adam Gopnik: Long-Form Television
Adam Gopnik reflects on the reason for our obsession with long-form television series.
John Gray: Euro Despair
John Gray sees the euro as a misconceived project with Greece's economy as a casualty.
John Gray: Recalling Eric Ambler
John Gray frecalls the work of Eric Ambler and finds unsettling contemporary echoes.
Another Kind of Atheism
John Gray discusses why it's time to rethink today's narrow view of atheism.
The Abolition of Man
John Gray warns about the dangers of science that promises to enhance human abilities.
P J O'Rourke: Presidential Candidates
PJ O'Rourke sizes up the candidates aspiring to be President of the United States.
Will Self: Losing Sleep
Will Self reflects on the various reasons for his inability to sleep soundly any more.
Will Self: A Life of Habit
Will Self sees a love of habit as a shield against the unexpected in life.