released 6/21/2024

In this wide-ranging conversation from 2005, historian John Lukacs (1924–2019) discusses the relationship between institutions and character, popular sentiment versus public opinion, the distinction between patriotism and nationalism, and the very nature of studying history. Lukacs emphasizes the shaping power of ideas and the necessity of curiosity for a historian. The bombardment of ideas and images people experience today, he argues, leads to confusion about what is real. Finally, Lukacs explains how language and thought inform each other. John Lukacs is the author of several books, including Democracy and Populism: Fear and Hatred.

36 minutes

PREVIEW

The player for the full version of this Feature is only available to current members. If you have an active membership, log in here. If you’d like to become a member — with access to all our audio programs — sign up here.

Related reading and listening