Latest Stories
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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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UK heads for biggest election in 50 years
Does English politics need a new progressive alliance? As Labour prepares for the worst in tomorrow’s elections, some think the Left will never recover unless it learns to pull together.
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Capitalism failing, warns investment kingpin
Is capitalism broken? Today, as experts digest the warnings of billionaire investor Warren Buffett, many are wondering if the system that dominates the globe is working for everyone.
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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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Death threats for thinkers who deny free will
Is free will an illusion? This week it was reported that a growing chorus of scientists now agrees that humans have no real choice. But outraged critics feel it robs their lives of meaning.
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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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‘This case is a turning point in history’
Will the George Floyd verdict end racist policing? A jury has found former police officer Derek Chauvin guilty of murder, offering hope to many that America can heal its divisions.
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New era begins for UK’s longest serving heir
Will the British monarchy change with Prince Charles as deputy head? After Prince Philip’s funeral tomorrow, many believe the Queen’s closest adviser will become her son – the future king.
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Belief in conspiracies ‘caused by evolution’
Could the popularity of conspiracy theories be caused by evolution, not ignorance? Recent research suggests that a belief in false stories descends from prehistoric self-preservation.
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The PM, the financier and a trail of sleaze
Would politics be better without politicians? A former British PM has been engulfed in a row over lobbying, which some say demonstrates the need for an entirely new way of governing.
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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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America on trial in police murder case
Will it be a turning point for America? The trial of Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd has prompted discussion about whether the US can start to heal its racial divisions.