Big Ideas

Has making wars more humane in fact made it much easier to start wars? Has it made them drag on for longer and even sapped energy from peace movements?

Two democracies are under pressure in our region. Taiwan is in the firing line as China launches missiles and warships in response to Nancy Pelosi's visit. Closer to home , in Indonesia, secular democratic institutions are battling Islamist groups and entrenched corruption.

We need wisdom built into the education in schools and our universities A utilitarian approach to education is just not enough. Wisdom in the classical understanding, teaches us to look at the world holistically; it's associated with moral knowledge and accepting that there are always different side to an issue. And the other thing we need for good education, particularly in this technical age, is wonder and silence.

Many of Australia's leading authors, today, are indigenous, and their books are garnering accolades and winning prestigious awards.

One of these authors is Wiradjuri woman, Anita Heiss.

Anita is a Wiradjuri woman, a champion of First Nations writing, and an advocate for indigenous literacy.

She is talking Paul Barclay about her updated, Am I Black Enough For you?

How did we come to be so disconnected from nature? Maybe because certain philosophers and religion tell us that we're special and set apart from all other species. Perhaps plants can show us how to live in harmony with the planet and remind us that we're part of the web of life.

It’s 30 years after the landmark Mabo case decision by the High Court. It recognised Indigenous land rights and paved the way for native title claims across the country. The Mabo case overturned the myth that at the time of colonisation Australia was ‘terra nullius’ - land belonging to no one. Hannah Duncan, a granddaughter of Eddie Mabo, and Charles Passi, son of one of the plaintiffs, discuss what changed, what didn’t' change and what still needs to be done.

In the weeks and months of Covid lockdowns did you seek solace in the arts? Either taking up creative hobbies for the first time or tuning into music, painting, books, movies and podcasts. Five prominent members of the arts community -Wesley Enoch, Debra Keenahan, Sisonke Msimang, Lizzy Hoo and Melissa Lucashenko – respond to the proposition that art is everywhere.

Why do arguments often end badly, and how can we learn to disagree in a more civilised way? In these politically polarised times, disagreement is common, as well as frequently shrill and acrimonious. What does the art of debating teach us about how to argue better, without resort to personal abuse?. Paul Barclay talks to former world champion debate, Bo Seo..

Consolation is sometimes the only thing that keeps you going in dark times. Someone giving you hope; the realisation that you are not alone; and sometime the miraculous dimming of unspeakable anguish. Michael Ignatieff muses about what consolation is – and what it isn’t; what makes it work and why we all need it.

The recent federal election delivered a shake-up to the two party system and an increase in female candidates and people from diverse backgrounds. As traditional strongholds fell to independents , we saw voters prepared to cross party lines or abandon parties altogether. The government says Australians want a less combative style of politics which values consensus and personal integrity. So will we see a different style of politics and what issues drove the election result?