In this interview, Nick and Dr. Paul Monk discuss:
Background on epidemiology, virology and global transmission as they relate to COVID-19
Major plagues throughout history, and literary representations of pestilence and plague
The context of wet markets, corruption, totalitarianism and secrecy in China
The divergence in global reactions to the outbreak of COVID-19
The emergence of conspiracy theories about the virus
Silver linings from the current crisis, such as the need for global coordination and cooperation to respond to similarly global problems
Dr Paul Monk is a poet, polymath and highly regarded Australian public intellectual. He has written an extraordinary range of books, from Sonnets to a Promiscuous Beauty (which resides in former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull’s library), to reflective essays on the riches of Western civilization in The West in a Nutshell, to a prescient 2005 treatise on the rise of China in Thunder from the Silent Zone: Rethinking China.
Dr. Zac Seidler on Mental Health, Masculinity, and Social Connection in the Time of COVID-19
Angelina Stanton on Poetry, (Type)Writing, and Life on the Streets of Melbourne
Dr. Paul Monk on Donald Trump, Impeachment, and the U.S. Constitution
Professor Gillian Triggs on Speaking Up, Australia and Human Rights, the Global Refugee Crisis, and the United Nations
Raimond Gaita on 'Romulus, My Father', Suffering, Morality, and Humanity
Dr. Paul Monk on Poetry and Living with Meaning and Authenticity
Professor Pat McGorry AO on Australia's Mental Health Breakdown, the Royal Commission, and Reasons for Optimism
Rowan Callick on the Hong Kong Protests and Freedom, Democracy and Authoritarianism in China
Dr. Paul Monk on Sex, Love, Poetry and Life
Peter Singer on Animals, Effective Altruism, and The Ethical Life
Alma Zygier on Jazz, Performing, and Finding Your Voice
André Aciman on 'Call Me by Your Name', Love, and Life
Dr. Paul Monk on Western Civilization
Dr. Paul Monk on 'The Secret Gospel According to Mark'
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