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Lessons from Disaster Movies

AL Kennedy finds echoes of the disaster movies of the 70s in our current state of affairs.

• 9 mins

Collecting Art

Zoe Strimpel explores what lies behind her new-found impulse to collect art.

• 9 mins

Amaryllis

Howard Jacobson on why a flower has suddenly trumped exotic chocolates in his affections.

• 9 mins

Proportional Representation and a New Politics

John Gray makes the case for proportional representation as a means to revive our politics

• 9 mins

Insecurity

Megan Nolan says she was an insecure teenager, and millennial adulthood is just as uneasy.

• 9 mins

The Wisdom of Judgement

Sara Wheeler says writing a biography has proved a reminder not to judge people.

• 9 mins

In Praise of Satire

Adam Gopnik says foreign TV shows helped him appreciate the universal language of satire.

• 9 mins

Abide with Yourself

Will Self on the fad of creating ever more 'cultural quarters' in our towns and cities.

• 9 mins

Demographic Meltdown

Sarah Dunant explores how the UK can tackle its demographic timebomb.

• 9 mins

On Ascent

Sara Wheeler ponders what the new Carolean age will bring forth.

• 9 mins

Dust to Dust

Rebecca Stott ponders the nature of dust, as spring sunshine sharpens the sight of it.

• 9 mins

The Ratings Game

Tom Shakespeare bemoans the fashion for being asked to rate everything we buy or do.

• 9 mins

Taking Hammer to Gill

Howard Jacobson says an attack on Eric Gill's sculpture is a failure to understand art.

• 9 mins

To Mow or Not to Mow

John Connell reveals how his love for his lawn gave way to letting the grass run wild.

• 9 mins

Beyoncé, Beauty and the Pursuit of Youth

Zoe Strimpel on the perils of treating youth as a commodity.

• 9 mins

Midsummer and the Mysteries of Colour

As Midsummer Day approaches, Rebecca Stott examines our complex relationship with colour.

• 9 mins

Observing Ourselves

Will Self reflects on mirrors, narcissism and human imperfection.

• 9 mins

Good Directions

AL Kennedy ponders how we deal with a never-ending cycle of bad news.

• 9 mins

Notes on Ageing

Michael Morpurgo reflects on age as he approaches his 80th birthday.

• 9 mins

The Dragon and The Dog

Adam Gopnik reflects on the truths our dogs can teach us.

• 9 mins

The Soul of a Rebel

As a seasoned protester, Trevor Phillips explores what’s wrong with protest today.

• 9 mins

Freddie Mercury's Moustache Comb

Stephen Smith on our fascination with the belongings of the rich and famous.

• 9 mins

The Tourist Trap

Sarah Dunant ponders how historic cities deal with unprecedented numbers of tourists.

• 9 mins

Limbo

Sara Wheeler reflects on the concept of limbo.

• 9 mins

The Rationality of Monarchy

John Gray argues the case for monarchy.

• 9 mins

The Trad Wife

Megan Nolan explores the trend of the 'trad wife'.

• 9 mins

Against the Bucket List

Will Self on the 'pernicious practice' of bucket lists.

• 9 mins

My Love Affair with the Mysterious

Zoe Strimpel ponders the current resurgence of ghost stories.

• 9 mins

In the Spite House

AL Kennedy reflects on the intoxicating nature of hate.

• 9 mins

The Wink of Dishonour

Howard Jacobson on the 'horrid fascination' of celebrity.

• 9 mins