Rory Stewart: The Long History of...

BBC Radio 4

Rory Stewart with a radical take on the concepts that shape our lives.

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  1. Heroism: Trailer

    EPISODE 1

    Heroism: Trailer

    Rory Stewart explores the changing role of the hero throughout history. Listen first on BBC Sounds.

    3 min

  2. EPISODE 1

    Heroism: 1. The Classical Hero

    Rory Stewart explores ideas of what it means to be a hero from the ancient world to the present day. How have these ideas changed? Why do heroes matter? Who are the heroes we need today? With the help of leading historians, psychologists, philosophers and theologians, he examines how heroism is continually questioned and re-invented in every age, and how these contrasting visions of the hero might speak to us in our own time. What does it mean for our moral life? How should we perceive and pursue human excellence? In this episode, Rory explores ideas of the hero from the classical world to the middle ages. Presenter: Rory Stewart Producer and sound design: Dan Tierney Editor: Tim Pemberton Commissioning Editor: Dan Clarke

    29 min

  3. EPISODE 2

    Heroism: 2. Revolution and Pragmatism

    Rory Stewart explores ideas of what it means to be a hero from the ancient world to the present day. How have these ideas changed? Why do heroes matter? Who are the heroes we need today? With the help of leading historians, psychologists, philosophers and theologians, he examines how heroism is continually questioned and re-invented in every age, and how these contrasting visions of the hero might speak to us in our own time. What does it mean for our moral life? How should we perceive and pursue human excellence? In this episode, Rory explores ideas of the hero in the 18th and 19th centuries. Presenter: Rory Stewart Producer and sound design: Dan Tierney Editor: Tim Pemberton Commissioning Editor: Dan Clarke

    29 min

  4. EPISODE 3

    Heroism: 3. The Death of the Hero

    Rory Stewart explores ideas of what it means to be a hero from the ancient world to the present day. How have these ideas changed? Why do heroes matter? Who are the heroes we need today? With the help of leading historians, psychologists, philosophers and theologians, he examines how heroism is continually questioned and re-invented in every age, and how these contrasting visions of the hero might speak to us in our own time. What does it mean for our moral life? How should we perceive and pursue human excellence? In this episode, Rory explores ideas of the hero in the early 20th century. Presenter: Rory Stewart Producer and sound design: Dan Tierney Editor: Tim Pemberton Commissioning Editor: Dan Clarke

    29 min

  5. EPISODE 4

    Heroism: 4. Poster Heroes

    Rory Stewart explores ideas of what it means to be a hero from the ancient world to the present day. How have these ideas changed? Why do heroes matter? Who are the heroes we need today? With the help of leading historians, psychologists, philosophers and theologians, he examines how heroism is continually questioned and re-invented in every age, and how these contrasting visions of the hero might speak to us in our own time. What does it mean for our moral life? How should we perceive and pursue human excellence? In this episode, Rory explores ideas of the hero from the middle of the 20th century. Presenter: Rory Stewart Producer and sound design: Dan Tierney Editor: Tim Pemberton Commissioning Editor: Dan Clarke

    29 min

  6. EPISODE 5

    Heroism: 5. New Heroes

    Rory Stewart explores ideas of what it means to be a hero from the ancient world to the present day. How have these ideas changed? Why do heroes matter? Who are the heroes we need today? With the help of leading historians, psychologists, philosophers and theologians, he examines how heroism is continually questioned and re-invented in every age, and how these contrasting visions of the hero might speak to us in our own time. What does it mean for our moral life? How should we perceive and pursue human excellence? In this episode, Rory explores ideas of the hero today. Presenter: Rory Stewart Producer and sound design: Dan Tierney Editor: Tim Pemberton Commissioning Editor: Dan Clarke

    29 min
See All Season 3 (6)

Hosts & Guests

Ratings & Reviews

3.4
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Rory Stewart with a radical take on the concepts that shape our lives.

Information

  • Creator
    BBC Radio 4
  • Episodes
    16
  • Seasons
    3
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © (C) BBC 2025
  • Show Website
    Rory Stewart: The Long History of...
  • Provider

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