Corey Robin looks at the long relationship between fear and politics in Fear: The History of a Political Idea. Then, journalist Xinran recounts the moving struggles of one Chinese woman’s 30-year journey through Tibet. Next, author Sam Lipsyte discusses the premise of Home Land, a new novel written as an abjectly honest update to a high school alumni newsletter. Finally, economist Richard Layard investigates the root causes of happiness.
A History of Fear
Corey Robin explores the long history of fear as a political idea. He argues that it’s been influencing politics and culture since accounts of the Garden of Eden, and he explains how fear is acting as an agent of repression in modern-day America, in Fear: The History of a Political ...
Sky Burial
In 1994, journalist Xinran met a woman named Shu Wen who told her about her arduous, 30-year journey across the political and geographical landscapes of Tibet. Xinran tells Shu Wen’s story in Sky Burial: An Epic Love Story of Tibet.
Alumni Update
Sam Lipsyte imagines what would happen if an unsuccessful high school alum were to tell the unflattering truth about his life in the real world to his alumni newsletter: Home Land.
Happiness Is...
Studies have shown that societies with increased incomes don't experience increased happiness. Economist Richard Layard looks at how society would need to be adjusted to increase happiness in Happiness: Lessons from a New Science.
About The Leonard Lopate Show
Host Leonard Lopate lets you in on the best conversations with writers, actors, ex-presidents, dancers, scientists, comedians, historians, grammarians, curators, filmmakers, and do-it-yourself experts.
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