History of Ideas

David Runciman’s acclaimed series of introductions to the most important thinkers and ideas behind modern politics. It’s now part of David’s new weekly podcast, Past Present Future, in which David talks to historians, novelists, scientists and politicians about where the most interesting ideas come from, what they mean, and why they matter. Then once a month, he’ll focus on one of the great political essayists, starting with Montaigne. These new History of Ideas solo talks will be posted here, along with an archive of previous episodes, and links to further reading in the LRB archive.

Hume

David Runciman, 26 July 2024

15 June 2023 · 58mins

For the second episode in this season of History of Ideas, David discusses the Scottish philosopher David Hume and explores how eighteenth-century arguments about the national debt can help make sense of American politics today.

Montaigne

David Runciman, 26 July 2024

18 May 2023 · 52mins

For the first episode in the new series of History of Ideas – on the great essays and the great essayists – David discusses Montaigne, the man who invented a whole new way of writing and being read.