Past Present Future
David Runciman
Past Present Future is a bi-weekly History of Ideas podcast with David Runciman, host and creator of Talking Politics, exploring the history of ideas from politics to philosophy, culture to technology. David talks to historians, novelists, scientists and many others about where the most interesting ideas come from, what they mean, and why they matter.
Ideas from the past, questions about the present, shaping the future.
New episodes every Wednesday and Sunday.
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Ideas from the past, questions about the present, shaping the future.
New episodes every Wednesday and Sunday.
Take back your personal data with Incogni! Use code ppf at the link below and get 60% off annual plans: https://incogni.com/ppf
Episodes
Mentioned books
17 snips
Jan 1, 2024 • 56min
History of Ideas 8: Susan Sontag
Guest Susan Sontag, writer and critic, discusses her opposition to interpretation in art and criticism. The podcast explores how her argument can be applied to contemporary politics and the appeal of Donald Trump. It also touches on Sontag's influences, her transition from essayist to fiction writer, and the significance of knowing when to cease discussions.
5 snips
Dec 31, 2023 • 51min
History of Ideas 7: James Baldwin
James Baldwin, an influential American writer, discusses his essay 'Notes of a Native Son' which combines autobiography with a critique of America's racial politics. The podcast explores Baldwin's relationship with his father, the clash between North and South during war, the racial dynamics of World War II, and Baldwin's reflections on anger and white power.
Dec 30, 2023 • 53min
History of Ideas 6: Simone Weil
Explore the radical ideas of Simone Weil, a French philosopher who rejected democracy, rights, personal identity, and scientific progress. Learn about her critiques of institutions, the concept of rights, and the distinction between living in a world of rights versus justice. Discover her insights on the horror of factory work, the recognition of suffering, and the paradoxes of modernity and cruelty.
8 snips
Dec 29, 2023 • 53min
History of Ideas 5: George Orwell
George Orwell, author and political commentator, discusses the English resistance to fascism and the distinctive characteristics of English nationalism. He analyzes the presence and perception of the army in England, makes predictions and assumptions about the post-war era, and reflects on English politics, double standards, and hypocrisy.
21 snips
Dec 28, 2023 • 52min
History of Ideas 4: Virginia Woolf
Virginia Woolf, known for her essay 'A Room of One's Own,' discusses anger, power, sex, modernity, independence, and transcendence. The podcast explores the humor and gender bias in her essay, reflects on women's experiences in Oxbridge, and explores the unequal distribution of wealth and opportunities. It also examines Shakespeare's privilege and the challenges faced by women writers in breaking free from societal limitations, emphasizing the importance of having a personal space for expression.
5 snips
Dec 27, 2023 • 57min
History of Ideas 3: Thoreau
This podcast explores Thoreau's 'Civil Disobedience' and his resistance against slavery and unjust wars. It discusses his views on democracy, majority opinion, and the importance of individual conscience. The speakers also delve into Thoreau's beliefs on climate change, institutional failure, and the world consumed by news and noise. They examine his actions in protesting slavery and awakening his fellow citizens, highlighting his impact on civil disobedience movements.
6 snips
Dec 26, 2023 • 1h
History of Ideas 2: Hume
Explore David Hume's essay on public debt and credit and its relevance to American politics. Delve into Hume's controversial ideas on suicide, mockery, and the morality of ending one's life. Discover Hume's perspectives on the dangers and unsustainability of borrowing, the impact of a national debt-driven economy, and the relationship between debt, democracy, and political responsibility. Uncover the complexities surrounding suicide, obligations, and the role of public debt in sustaining lives.
Dec 25, 2023 • 53min
History of Ideas 1: Montaigne
Learn about Montaigne, the man who invented a new way of writing and being read. From the fear of death to the joys of life, Montaigne wrote the book of himself, exploring topics such as atheism, faith, sex, religion, and more. Discover the open-ended and adventurous nature of essays, as well as Montaigne's unique exploration of animals, randomness, simplicity, and complexity in philosophy.
Dec 21, 2023 • 53min
History of Ideas Q&A
Topics discussed in this podcast include the decline of Norman Maynard's essay, the parallels between Trump and characters in Dickens' novels, seeking justice and restitution for Black Americans, exploring Tanhisi Coates' evolving ideas, Nietzsche's slave revolt and imaginary revenge, the substance and process in politics, and upcoming episodes on great political novels and bad ideas.
Dec 14, 2023 • 54min
The Art of the Essay
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.
