50 minutes ago Ignorance and Bliss: On Wanting Not to Know by Mark Lilla review – the enduring power of stupidity

A New York scholar’s study of our long history of acclaiming the fool and ignoring the facts is timely and terrifically wittyThis is at once a wise and wonderfully enjoyable book. Mark Lilla treats weighty matters with a light touch, in an elegant prose style that crackles with dry wit. Almost every one of the short sections into which the narrative is divided – and there is a narrative, cunningly sustained within what seems a relaxed discursiveness – takes careful aim and at the end hits the bullseye with a sure and satisfying aphoristic thwock.The central premise of the book is simply stated: “How is it that we are creatures who want to know and not to know?” Lilla, professor of humanities at Columbia University, New York, and the author of a handful of masterly studies of the terrain...

Politics

77 minutes ago Cannibal serial killer tells court he ate human heart as part of 'ritual sacrifice'

Jason Thornburg is facing the possibility of the death penalty after admitting to the murder of three individuals.

Events

86 minutes ago Amazon slashes Shark's 'fantastic' cordless vacuum by £110 for Black Friday

The Shark Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner is said to deliver 'unbelievable' results and is perfect for tackling human and pet hair with its Anti Hair Wrap technology

Economics

94 minutes ago Cannibal killer butchered three people and ate a human heart as part of 'ritual sacrifice'

Cannibal killer Jason Thornburg will be told by a judge whether he will be given the death penalty after confessing to murdering three people and eating their body parts

Events

2 hours ago Isaac Newton’s wealth ‘intimately connected’ with slavery, author says

Scientist and banker benefited from gold mined primarily by enslaved Africans in Brazil, book claimsSir Isaac Newton, whose theory of gravity revolutionised science and who later rose to the upper echelons of London’s banking world, had closer financial ties to the transatlantic trade in enslaved people than was previously understood, a new book has claimed.The book, Ricardo’s Dream, covers the life and work of David Ricardo, a contemporary of Newton who was a pioneer of economic theory and the wealthiest stock trader of his day. It also re-examines Newton’s time as master of the mint at the Bank of England, where the scientist wielded political influence and amassed vast personal wealth after leaving his academic position in Cambridge. Continue reading...

Culture

3 hours ago Mount Everest is getting taller every year – and now scientists think they know why

Study points to a river some 75km away from the peak as the surprise culprit for Everest’s changing height

Politics

3 hours ago How to care for a Venus flytrap and the truth about it digesting human flesh

When John Lewis released its highly anticipated Christmas advert, which features a Venus flytrap named Snapper, it raised many questions over how exactly the plant works

Transport

4 hours ago Tearful Adele kisses son Angelo, 11, and fiancée Rich Paul and gives emotional speech during final Vegas show as she recalls 'worst year of her life' after cancelling 2022 shows

The British singer, 36, recalled the start of her stint in sin city as 'f****** rocky' and described 2022 which saw the postponement of gigs less than 24 hours before the first show.

Sport

6 hours ago Scientists warn of the 'early' dementia sign that can be spotted in the eye

Researchers believe this symptom could be picked up by earpiece microphones, making sure the effected person is diagnosed sooner rather than later.

Events