Culture
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The greatest Frenchman ever – or perhaps not
Did Napoleon do more harm than good? Yesterday marked the 200th anniversary of the French leader’s death, but modern historians have deeply divided opinions about his legacy.
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Parting of ways for world’s richest couple
Is the old saying “Money can’t buy happiness” true? Yesterday one of the world’s richest couples, Bill and Melinda Gates, announced they were getting divorced after 27 years of marriage.
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Growing ‘assault on truth’ poses world threat
Can journalism ever claim to be the truth? Yesterday, on World Press Freedom Day, the BBC’s head issued a ringing defence of impartiality – but many believe that it is impossible to achieve.
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Cheugy: the Gen Z word making waves online
Does language change how we see the world? Today, a new word invented by an American teenager is going viral on TikTok. But can “cheugy” really influence the way we think about others?
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Londoners mourn the death of a young hero
Should there be a new memorial for ordinary heroes? Tributes to the bravery of Folajimi Olubunmi-Adewole continued to pour in yesterday, prompting a debate about how to remember him.
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Begone, dull languishing! It’s time to YOLO
After languishing in 2020, will 2021 be the year of YOLO? Social observers believe that the pandemic has reminded many people life is alarmingly short. In other words: You Only Live Once.
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Chinese film director shatters Oscar barriers
Does it always take an outsider to see our inner truth? This morning, Chloé Zhao won best director and her film Nomadland, about America’s van-dwellers, won best film and best actress.
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Sili nu speling rools set kritiks larfing
Should English spelling be simplified? Campaigners argue that its complicated rules hold too many students back, and the time has come to introduce some fundamental changes.
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Young Leonardo da Vinci laid bare in new drama
Is Leonardo’s life story relevant today? The new series about the Renaissance genius may be hugely entertaining. But can a tale of a 15th-Century artist have a message for modern viewers?
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Cricket fans fear a farewell to the googly
Should cricket change its traditional language? A much-hyped new tournament, The Hundred, is challenging not only the way the game is played, but the words we use to talk about it.
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How sexism is ‘built-in’ to most languages
Could many languages be holding women back? A growing movement argues that changes to grammar and vocabulary are an essential step towards ending the tradition of male dominance.
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Sailor, sportsman, hero – and royal husband
Did he see more change than any of us will? Prince Philip has died aged 99. He led an extraordinary life and was a witness to some of the most momentous events in world history.
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Buried treasure solves pirate’s perfect crime
Is it wrong to love pirates? They were ruthless killers who terrorised the high seas, but a long tradition of books and film celebrates their swashbuckling adventures and rebellious spirit.
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Lost masterpiece reveals truth about Nazis
Can novels teach us more than history? Reviewers claim a rediscovered novel from Nazi Germany captures the truth of its time better than almost any other work. Can fiction be “truth”?
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The poet who walked a political tightrope
Is poetry more important than politics? Four hundred years after his birth, Andrew Marvell remains a rare example of someone who established a reputation in both spheres.