The Long History of Ignorance - from Confucius to Q-Anon

Original version

BBC Radio 4 FM

BBC Radio 4 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced BBC Home Service.

BBC Radio 4

Radio 4

Radio 4 (FM)

Documentaries

Factual

BBC Blocks

Exploring the idea that understanding ignorance is as important as acquiring knowledge.

Rory Stewart examines the radical idea that understanding ignorance is as important as acquiring knowledge.

BBC Radio 4 LW

The Long History of Ignorance - from Confucius to Q-Anon: The Pursuit of Knowledge

The Pursuit of Knowledge

Ignorance

Rory Stewart: The Long History of...

Ignorance: 1. The Pursuit of Knowledge

BBC Radio 4 - Rory Stewart: The Long History of..., Ignorance, Ignorance: 1. The Pursuit of Knowledge

Rory Stewart makes a radical case for embracing ignorance.

Rory Stewart explores how ignorance is fundamental to who we are and inseparable from what we know. He makes a radical case for embracing ignorance.

We prize knowledge, and rightly so. We think of ignorance as a bad thing. But ignorance is inseparable from what we know.

Knowledge can distract us, mislead us and endanger us. While ignorance is often the most fundamental insight about our human condition. Ignorance is not simply the opposite of knowledge, but a positive force with its own momentum that gives meaning to our lives. It drives scientific discovery, fosters creativity and can be psychologically helpful. 

That’s why Rory Stewart wants to make a radical case for embracing ignorance. He wants to encourage a way of knowing in which knowledge and ignorance exist in a relationship with each other.

With a cast of global thinkers, drawing on Western and Eastern ideas from the ancient world to the present day, Rory explores how a greater awareness and appreciation of ignorance can help us become more humble, empathetic and wise. 

Writer and presenter: Rory Stewart
Producer: Dan Tierney

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

The Long History of Ignorance - from Confucius to Q-Anon

The Pursuit of Knowledge

Genres

Brand

BBC Radio 4 FM

About BBC Radio 4