Simon Schama on 2021: How Can Looking At History Help Us Survive It? | How To Academy

TL;DR

Sir Simon Sharma discusses his views on history, art, populism, and the impact of the pandemic in a lively conversation with Matt Stadt.

Transcript

a very warm welcome to you all thank you so much for joining me matt stadt and i'm a broadcaster and writer and a regular host here at the how to academy although of course in these still strange times i'm actually in my own home in london i'm so thrilled to introduce to you or reintroduce to you sir simon sharma i'm not sure he was a sir last time... Read More

Key Insights

• 😮 The internet, which was supposed to be a disseminator of knowledge, has become a breeding ground for the rejection of knowledge and the rise of conspiracy theories.
• ❓ The normalization of populist rhetoric and conspiracy theories empowers authoritarians and undermines democratic institutions.
• 😌 The challenges of addressing populism and its appeal lie in finding ways to restore trust and faith in democratic leaders while addressing the grievances that lead to its rise.
• 🌸 The impact of Brexit extends beyond economic repercussions to include the loss of cultural exchange, shrinking horizons, and damage to scientific collaboration.

Questions & Answers

Q: How has the pandemic affected Sir Simon Sharma's work and concentration?

Sir Simon Sharma admits that he has missed face-to-face interactions and the presence of people in his life. He finds it easier to concentrate and be productive when surrounded by others and values human connection for his work as a historian and writer.

Q: What can we learn from history and apply to the challenges we face today?

Sir Simon Sharma emphasizes the importance of learning from history and understanding that our own self-interest is deeply connected to our collective well-being. He believes that a sense of connectedness and a focus on friendship and social relationships can lead to a more virtuous society.

Q: How does Sir Simon Sharma view the impact of Trump's refusal to accept defeat and the normalization of conspiracy theories?

Sir Simon Sharma sees Trump's actions as profoundly corrosive to democracy. He believes that the mainstreaming of conspiracy theories and the rejection of knowledge are deeply troubling trends that undermine the authority of expertise and truth.

Q: What is the significance of Brexit and its cultural and economic impact?

Sir Simon Sharma views Brexit as a destructive force with both cultural and economic consequences. He highlights the loss of programs like Erasmus, the shrinking of cultural horizons, and the negative impact on scientific research and collaboration as real concerns. He also criticizes the rhetoric and misinformation surrounding Brexit.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Sir Simon Sharma is a renowned historian, art historian, and professor at Columbia University. He is famous for his books on French history, Dutch history, and Jewish history, as well as his documentaries on art and the history of Britain.

• The conversation covers a range of topics, including history, art, Trump, Brexit, the pandemic, and the challenges and lessons we can learn from the past.

• Sir Simon reflects on his own personality and describes himself as impulsive, imaginative, and fun-loving, but also highlights his responsibility as a historian to engage with the present and its challenges.