Culture
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Sailor, sportsman, hero – and royal husband
Has he seen more change than any of us will? At 99, Prince Philip has led an extraordinary life, and been a witness to some of the most momentous events in world history.
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A fable in search of a great humane vision
Are humans unique? Tomorrow one of the greatest writers on this theme, Kazuo Ishiguro, will publish a new novel about artificial intelligence, human nature and the meaning of love.
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McCartney is a Dickens for our day, says poet
Should Paul McCartney get a Nobel prize? News of a new 900-page autobiography has sparked comparisons with Charles Dickens – and a claim that the former Beatle is a major literary figure.
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Woman wins pay for five years of housework
Should housework be paid work? A Chinese woman has been granted compensation in her divorce for care work. The ruling has sparked a discussion that echoes a longstanding feminist demand.
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Discovered! Secret formula behind every genius
Are there rules to becoming a genius? A Harvard academic believes that he has established the key ingredients – but warns that those with great minds are not always great human beings.
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The young poet whose words are a joy for ever
Are we too obsessed with youthful genius? John Keats died 200 years ago today at the age of 25, having written some of the most beautiful and influential poems in the English language.
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How a troubled tourist became a TV sensation
Is our obsession with true crime unhealthy? A new series about the disappearance of a young traveller has captivated millions. But critics say the genre harms victims and viewers alike.
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Law school adds chitchat to the curriculum
Do we need lessons in small talk? Worried that its students are losing the art of conversation, a British university has announced a new module to help them learn to break the ice.
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Photo and Oprah date clash with privacy aims
Can celebrities have both publicity and privacy? Harry and Meghan release an intimate portrait and agree to an interview with Oprah Winfrey but demand that the press leave them alone.
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#FreeBritney: new spotlight on troubled star
Are we all partly to blame for her troubles? Britney Spears skyrocketed to fame in the 1990s. Now, a new documentary asks whether her legions of fans are responsible for her downfall too.
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Help dispel the gloom – join the poetry boom!
If everyone read a poem a day, would there be no more wars? Amanda Gorman’s performances have brought millions of people together and provided inspiration in a time of global crisis.
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‘China locked us up like animals…’
Is China guilty of genocide? Despite growing calls for it to be held accountable for seeking to eradicate Uighur Muslims, some countries are unwilling to accuse the nation outright.
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Snubs, rancour and a triumph for three women
Do Hollywood award ceremonies really matter? The Golden Globes have been criticised for some controversial snubs. But its defenders say the headlines miss the event’s true purpose.
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Comic Relief thumbs its nose at the virus
Do the best jokes come from the hardest times? Some people question the idea of holding Red Nose Day during the pandemic, but the comedians launching it insist it is just what we need.
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From fictional French conman to surprise hero
Should we be so fascinated by brilliant criminals? A new French drama about a cunning conman has become a massive Netflix hit. But some say Lupin sends entirely the wrong message.