Culture

Our curated articles offering new takes on the big themes and questions in our culture. Plus reviews of books, film, media and experiences. Culture is one of four key themes covered by Seen & Unseen.

Podcast
  1. Culture
  2. Re-enchanting
A man sits at a table speaking into a microphone but looks into the distance. Behind him, through the window and beyond a wall is Big Ben

Re-enchanting... history and the coronation - Tom Holland

Nick Jones
In this third episode of Re-enchanting, Belle and Justin talk with Tom Holland about all things history and, or course, the coronation.
1min read
Explainer
  1. AI - Artificial Intelligence
  2. Culture
A plastic sheet strewn with biology-related instruments.

Challenging transhumanism’s quest to optimise our future

Oliver Dürr
Instead of separating the human from the hardware, Oliver Dürr recommends rediscovering other ways of self-formation and improvement.
7min read
Podcast
  1. Culture
  2. S&U interviews
Four stars scintilate above a spiral galaxy viewed from the side.

My conversation with... Jennifer Wiseman

Belle Tindall
Re-enchanting podcast guest Jennifer Wiseman shared an infectious wonder at the universe. Podcast co-host Belle Tindall reflects on their conversation.
3min read
Explainer
  1. Culture
  2. Royalty
A medieval illustration of King Edgar's coronation shows him between his predecessor and successor, while angels hover above him.

Making sense of the coronation’s oaths, oils and acclamations

Ian Bradley
The significance of the thousand-year-old coronation ceremony is unpacked by Ian Bradley to reveal the vulnerability at its heart.
4min read
Review
  1. Atheism
  2. Belief
A painting depicts two wrestlers on the ring mat, watched by eager fans.

David Baddiel's wrestle with the God desire

Krish Kandiah
David Baddiel’s short book is important, writes Krish Kandiah, as it represents an internal wrestling match that many can relate to.
7min read
Explainer
  1. Culture
  2. Royalty
an etching shows William and Mary is a classical scene, priests stand to their right while dogs chew bones at their feet.

How faith helped the monarchy flex

Ian Bradley
Understanding how the British monarchy has evolved, means understanding its foundation in faith. Ian Bradley explains.
4min read
Podcast
  1. Culture
  2. Re-enchanting
Two scientists talk to each other at console in a space mission control room.

Re-enchanting... the universe

Belle Tindall
In this third episode of Re-enchanting, Belle and Justin talk all things space with astronomer, author, and speaker, Dr Jennifer Wiseman.
1min read
Explainer
  1. Culture
  2. Royalty
A medieval illustration of King David being anointed by Samuel

Why we make kings

Ian Bradley
As the new King's coronation approaches, Ian Bradley explores the deep roots of kingship as an answer to anarchy and disorder.
4min read
Review
  1. Culture
  2. Film & TV
A woman stands in a kitchen diner hold a phone with a cord.

Don't stop believin'

Yaroslav Walker
Air is a biopic you can believe in, says Yaroslav Walker, thanks to an awesome soundtrack and the hint of deeper themes.
3min read
Podcast
  1. Books
  2. Culture
A man sits and speaks into a microphone beside him on a table, while gesturing with his hand. Behind, Big Ben is on the skyline.

Re-enchanting... reading and writing

Nick Jones
"We are culture making creatures", says Francis Spufford, on the latest episode of Re-enchanting - Seen & Unseen's new podcast series.
1min read
Review
  1. Art
  2. Culture
A relief sculpture shows the Madonna hold the infant Christ close to her face.

Carving joy and suffering – what Donatello’s sculpture captures

Sara Schumacher
The pioneering sculpture of Donatello presents emotional urgency. Sara Schumacher reflects on his art.
4min read
Review
  1. Ambition
  2. Books
A painting of an 18th Century servant bent over a washing tub.

Forgetting the big ideas

Nick Jones
How to collect ideas that have changed the world. Nick Jones reviews A History of Ideas.
3min read