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The trouble with 'freedom'

John Gray looks at the relationship between freedom and democracy.

• 10 mins

The alchemy of memory

John Gray explores the role of memory in giving meaning to our lives.

• 10 mins

In Search of Prizes

Sarah Dunant explores the merit of literary prizes as the Man Booker shortlist is revealed

• 10 mins

Sweet charity

Sarah Dunant reflects on the growing importance of charity shops in times of austerity.

• 10 mins

Mouthing Off

Sarah Dunant takes a look at teeth through the ages, and dentistry in times of austerity.

• 10 mins

Presenting the Past

Sarah Dunant reflects on the role of history in society, and how it changes over time.

• 10 mins

Understanding Contemporary China 1/4

Martin Jacques presents a personal view on how best to understand contemporary China.

• 10 mins

What Will China Be Like as a Superpower? 2/4

In his second talk on understanding China, Martin Jacques examines the tributary system.

• 10 mins

Who are the Chinese? 3/4

In his third talk on understanding China, Martin Jacques explores the nature of race.

• 10 mins

Understanding Contemporary China 4/4

How can the undemocratic Chinese state enjoy authority in the eyes of its population?

• 10 mins

Rich man, poor man

Mary Beard on the long history of the rich looking down their noses at the poor.

• 10 mins

Mary Beard: Age of Consent

Mary Beard reflects on the arbitrary nature of some laws, including the age of consent.

• 10 mins

On Pompeii

Mary Beard ponders the rights and wrongs of archaeological restoration.

• 10 mins

Are students getting their money's worth?

Mary Beard reflects on why 'customer satisfaction' surveys have no place in universities.

• 10 mins

Trustworthiness Before Trust

Onora O'Neill reflects anew on the theme of trust, the subject of her Reith lectures.

• 10 mins

Digital Past

Will Self reflects on the effect of digital technology on his perception of time.

• 10 mins

Economics Priesthood

Will Self warns against the false prophets of the new priesthood of economics.

• 10 mins

Will Self: The British Vomitorium

With the excesses of Christmas behind us, Will Self appeals for a major lifestyle change.

• 10 mins

Terminal Thoughts

Will Self wants to 'nudge society in the direction of considering suicide acceptable'.

• 10 mins

Urban Designs

Will Self laments what he sees as an absence of rational urban planning in our big cities.

• 10 mins

Presidential Inaugurations

David Cannadine reflects on the history of American presidential inaugurations.

• 10 mins

The Love of Bears

David Cannadine reflects on the enduring appeal of the teddy bear in contemporary culture.

• 10 mins

Grand Central celebration

David Cannadine celebrates the saving of New York's century-old Grand Central station.

• 10 mins

In Praise of Birmingham

David Cannadine defends Birmingham against a slur in Jane Austen's Emma.

• 10 mins

The Winter Queen

Lisa Jardine celebrates Elizabeth of Bohemia, who deserves a larger place in history.

• 10 mins

Modern Medicis

Lisa Jardine celebrates the influence of art connoisseur Sir Denis Mahon.

• 10 mins

Dame Mary Cartwright

Lisa Jardine celebrates the achievements of wartime mathematician Dame Mary Cartwright.

• 10 mins

Celestial Bodies

Lisa Jardine reflects on comets and the lessons to be learned from early astronomers.

• 10 mins

Turkish notions

Adam Gopnik reflects on why we overrate masters and underrate mastery.

• 10 mins

The secret of a happy marriage

Adam Gopnik presents his formula for a happy marriage - lust, laughter and loyalty.

• 10 mins