I don't think Stephen Fry needs any introduction, but maybe this podcast of seven episodes does. I hadn't come across it until very recently, and all seven in the series have now been published. This, Pride, is the first, and as you may have suspected, the other 6 are centred around one of those other deadly sins.
The podcasts are averaging at just less than 30 minutes long each, which means that they can be fit into anyone's busy schedules, and Fry is a delightful raconteur. The podcast is just him, talking constantly, the entire time. However, don't let that put you off, his clear enunciation, superb conversational style, and vast knowledge, as well as a clear interest in the subject and a passion for discussing it, make this 30 minutes educational, thought-provoking and yet also very easy listening.
Yes, Fry takes us on a history lesson of the word 'pride' and how it came about, and how it became the first and most deadly of all sins. He also talks about what the word means in today's terms and in our own society. Has the word, like all good politians, made a U-turn and rather than being a vice become a virtue? It might seem that way at first. However, as the podcast progresses we learn about the ugly and undesirable qualities that pride imbues and finally Fry suggests that we should use an alternative word for the ugly side of pride these days... selfishness.
His arguments and rationale are excellently thought-through and researched, and for anyone who is interested - even slightly - in language, history, or even our modern social and societal structure and ideologies, then I suggest giving this podcast a listen. A lovely way to spend half an hour, and I can't wait to have the chance to catch up on the next 6. Fry ought to be very proud of his achievement!
Reviewer - Matthew Dougall
on - 5/3/20
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