Culture
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Savage mountain finally beaten by teamwork
Is it madness? A team of Nepali climbers has risen to the ultimate mountaineering challenge, becoming the first to conquer K2 in the depths of winter. But some wonder what the point was.
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The musical performed 60 seconds at a time
Can a TikTok video be high art? A new musical produced entirely on TikTok has some wondering if the platform could revolutionise our culture – but others think it is just a passing craze.
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The raven and the tower: an omen returns
Are omens useful? As the queen of the ravens vanishes, a prophecy foretells the end of the United Kingdom. Some call this fantasy, but others say there is wisdom in listening to the birds.
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‘This is pre-fascism’ says top US professor
Is it local news that can save democracy? It might sound far-fetched. But respected academic Timothy Snyder is devastating in his diagnosis of America’s ills – and lucid in his prescription.
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The Vogue cover image dividing America
Should we portray politicians with more respect? The cover of American Vogue has been attacked for its portrayal of the US vice-president elect, raising tensions over race and gender.
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Shakespeare caught up in antisemitism row
Was Shakespeare antisemitic? His play The Merchant of Venice has long attracted accusations of racism – and now a new book by Michael Morpurgo has reignited the controversy.
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The future: Roaring Twenties set to return
Can we look forward to another Roaring Twenties? As part of a new series on different visions of the future, we ask whether the end of the pandemic might prove to be one big party.
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2020: Courage, passion and curiosity honoured
Is choosing “people of the year” a good idea? As The Day pauses for the holidays, we celebrate three inspiring individuals who each made an extraordinary impact on the world this year.
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2020: The year in seven fake news stories
How should we deal with fake news? Many western governments are moving towards stricter regulation of tech giants. But others believe that only a more educated public can stop the blight.
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Taking Christmas advice from ancient Rome
Is giving really better than receiving? As people across the world spend billions on Christmas presents, a leading Roman philosopher’s thoughts on the subject have never been more relevant.
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All I want for Christmas is a number one hit
Why are Christmas songs so popular? They drive some people mad, yet they come back year after year and achieve huge sales – and one musicologist argues that some possess real merit.
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The genius who revelled in deception
Was John le Carré really a “giant of literature”? The spy novelist’s death has prompted a host of reverential tributes – but some critics believe that they overstate his achievements.
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Book-reading soars as lockdown slows time
Would it make us happier to give up the internet and read books instead? Experts say it can cure us of our anxious online lives. But with all this free time, what should we read next?
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Snow mania descends as cold weather bites
Is it a form of madness to love snow? Britain is set to be colder than Moscow this week as the country dives into the chilliest December ever. Snow! Why is it a source of such joy for many?
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I’m a Celebrity hit with flood of complaints
Has “I’m a Celebrity” had its day? The finale airs tonight amidst a storm of controversy over cockroaches – among other matters. But public hunger for this kind of spectacle has deep roots.