Lessons from history

Perspective Media
August 25, 2024

THIS WEEK’S DEEP DIVE
Lessons from history

Journey through time with celebrated historians and writers as they unravel the complexities of our past. From the cyclical nature of oppression to the unpredictability of historical events, these experts offer profound reflections on war, climate change and human nature. Discover how understanding yesterday's uncertainties can illuminate today’s challenges and shape our approach to the future.

Featuring contributions from Sarah Perry, Ben Wilson, Ian Hislop, Artemis Cooper, David Reynolds, Rachel Cockerell, Joanna Grochowicz, Andrea Wulf, Dan Richards and Peter Stothard.

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People

The Interview

Author Sathnam Sanghera discusses with Gavin Esler how the British Empire continues to shape our world. From global demographics to national identity, Sanghera offers fresh perspectives on imperial history, arguing that acknowledging this past enriches our understanding of modern society.

www.perspectivemedia.com/sathnam-sanghera

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I think older people grew up with a warped sense of empire, whereas younger people just don't have it. I'm not an optimistic person but I am optimistic about this

Q&A with Lucy Easthope

The disaster planning expert shares insights on facing global risks, the long-term impacts of catastrophes, and finding resilience in uncertain times. With a blend of professional expertise and personal warmth, Easthope offers a unique perspective on preparing for and recovering from life’s biggest challenges.

www.perspectivemedia.com/lucy-easthope

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It's only in the history books, long after the event, that times are given their gravitas and markers. When you’re inside them all you can do is keep going

Comment

Our low-down on current issues

Past futures

Mic Wright explores how our visions of the future shape our present, contrasting dystopian predictions with more optimistic outlooks. From classic sci-fi to contemporary speculative fiction, Wright argues for the importance of imagining better outcomes to inspire real-world change and innovation.

www.perspectivemedia.com/past-futures

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The benefit of reaching for works that imagine better outcomes for humanity rather than those that play to our pessimism is that they can inspire us to change

Bonkers bunkers

Nathaniel Tapley satirises the growing trend of billionaire bunkers, exposing the absurdity of the ultra-rich’s attempts to insulate themselves from global catastrophe. With biting wit, Tapley explores how these subterranean sanctuaries reflect broader issues of wealth inequality and societal priorities.

www.perspectivemedia.com/bonkers-bunkers

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We’ve gone through hundreds of years of progress to reinvent feudalism

Ways of seeing

From Holbein's Tudor drawings to Raj-era photographs, Francesca Kay explores how visual art captures history and personal experience. She reflects on portraiture's power to reveal character and preserve moments across centuries.

www.perspectivemedia.com/ways-of-seeing

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"Not in our time will anyone write a life as Sickert paints it," wrote Virginia Woolf. A sobering reflection for a writer

Culture

Dressing for utopia

Christobel Kent playfully explores what we can wear in a post-Tory Britain, drawing on literary utopias and dystopias for inspiration. From Thomas More’s durable uniforms to Brave New World’s colour-coded castes, she contemplates how clothing reflects societal values and political realities.

www.perspectivemedia.com/dressing-for-utopia

The last picture show

Max Lunn examines how artists from Bosch to Eliasson have depicted the apocalypse, revealing shifting societal fears across centuries. From religious infernos to climate change installations, Lunn explores how end-times art reflects our evolving anxieties and existential threats..

www.perspectivemedia.com/the-last-picture-show

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