Listen "20/06/2011"
Episode Synopsis
Andrew Marr talks to Tim Harford about the key to success. The 'undercover economist' argues that the fear of failure paradoxically leads to greater and more dangerous failures - from oil disasters to world conflict. Success in parliament is often mercurial, but the new Director of the Institute for Government and former Labour Minister, Andrew Adonis believes the pool of talent for the top jobs is too small, and that Ministers should be better prepared for their role. Priyamvada Gopal argues that university education is becoming one of the country's biggest failures. She believes the humanities have been denigrated, as consecutive governments have emphasised the value of work, over knowledge. And Eli Pariser explores the world of internet personalisation in which your every move is tracked and individual choices assessed: he warns that it's the end of objective news and the free exchange of ideas. Producer: Katy Hickman.
More episodes of the podcast Start the Week
Animals and Meaning
29/12/2025
The Dark
15/12/2025
Histories, emotions and identity
08/12/2025
Space, Quantum Frontiers and Cosmic Clues
01/12/2025
Digital Futures and Information Crises
17/11/2025
Saving Tigers, Green Crime and Cli-fi
10/11/2025
Crossing genres with Wayne McGregor
27/10/2025
ZARZA We are Zarza, the prestigious firm behind major projects in information technology.