The Essay: New Generation Thinkers

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The Essay: New Generation Thinkers 2017: A Focus on Fasting

A Focus on Fasting

New Generation Thinkers 2017

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Christopher Kissane from the London School of Economics explores the history of fasting.

From the Persian poet Rumi through the Old Testament Israelites to the political protests of the suffragettes, New Generation Thinker Christopher Kissane, of the London School of Economics, explores the history of fasting. Eating and avoiding hunger are our most basic goals, yet for thousands of years people have deliberately denied themselves food as an act of faith or conscience. What is the history of fasting, and why do billions still fast today?

Recorded with an audience at the York Festival of Ideas in 2017
New Generation Thinkers is a scheme run by the BBC with the Arts and Humanities Research Council to find academics who can turn their research into radio. 

Producer: Jacqueline Smith.

Image: Christopher Kissane. Credit: Ian Martindale.

The Essay: New Generation Thinkers 2017

Live music and the arts: broadcasts more live music than any other radio network. Classical music is its core. Genres include world and new music, jazz, speech and drama.

From the York Festival of Ideas, talks given by the 2017 cohort of New Generation Thinkers

From the York Festival of Ideas, a series of talks given by the 2017 cohort of New Generation Thinkers

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