Past events

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Thinking, Fast and Slow

with Daniel Kahneman  

An evening with Daniel Kahneman in Conversation with David Baddiel. Join us for an evening to honour Nobel-prize winning psychologist Daniel Kahneman. His book Thinking, Fast and Slow sold over a million copies and has become a global phenomenon. There may be no other person on the planet who better understands how and why we make the choices we make; this is a rare opportunity to hear from one of the greatest thinkers of our time. ‘A lifetime’s worth of wisdom’ Steven D. Levitt, co-author of Freakonomics ‘Buy it fast. Read it slowly. It will change the way you think, on the job, about the world, and in your own life.’ Richard Thaler, co-author of Nudge All ticket prices include a copy of the book. In partnership with                          Media Partner Read more.

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Nobel Laureate Joseph Stiglitz: Can Europe Be Saved?

Professor Joseph Stiglitz in conversation with Emily Maitlis.  

Nobel Prize-winning economist and bestselling author Joseph Stiglitz joins the how to: Academy to examine the current crisis in the European Union – and explain why its survival may mean scrapping the euro. Designed to bring Europe closer together, the euro has actually done the opposite: after nearly a decade without growth, unity has been replaced with dissent, Euroscepticism is on the rise, and the gap between the most successful nations and Europe’s peripheral economic players is growing wider by the day. As Brexit has shown, the economic arguments in support of an ‘ever closer union’ are increasingly subject to dispute. Drawing on his new book “The Euro” Joseph Stiglitz will examine whether Europe can survive this crisis of confidence? In this talk, he will reveal the fundamental flaws inherent in the euro project, and lay bare the misguided decisions of the European Central Bank that have condemned the euro to unending stagnation and led to discontent throughout the continent. And in response to these failures, he will outline three possible ways forward for the survival of the European Union. Read more.

Venue

Emmanuel Centre

9-23 Marsham Street
London SW1P 3DW

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An Evening with Gloria Steinem and Emma Watson

with Gloria Steinem, Emma Watson  

Live Video Feed Tickets Released Due to the popularity of An Evening with Gloria Steinem and Emma Watson, a limited number of discounted tickets to the live video feed of the event in the Upper Hall of the Emmanuel Centre have now been released. Book now to secure your place on the night. Gloria Steinem, fearless journalist, political activist, voice for women everywhere, is back on the road. At this special event, she will be interviewed by Emma Watson, Global Goodwill Ambassador for UN Women. Gloria Steinem’s new book – the first she has published in twenty years – is the story of her travels, from childhood trips in her father’s trailer to the campaign trail of Hillary Clinton. It is in planes, trains and automobiles that Steinem has encountered what she calls ‘the surrealism in everyday life’, and on this one-stop tour you can hear the legendary speaker, who has taken to the podium on the most pressing issues of our time, reflect on her life-long journey. With the unique perspective of one of the greatest feminists of the 20th and 21st centuries, this will be an inspiring, profound, enlightening conversation between a guiding light of gender equality, and an influential new voice in feminism. . Read more.

Venue

Emmanuel Centre

9-23 Marsham Street
London SW1P 3DW

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An Evening with E.O.Wilson

with Edward O. Wilson  

We are delighted to invite you to share an evening with Edward O. Wilson, the legendary father of Sociobiology and Biodiversity, in conversation with Mike Gunton. Professor Wilson is here in the UK to champion MEMO, the “Alexandrine” project to build a global beacon for biodiversity on the Jurassic Coast. He will also be discussing his explosive new book, The Meaning of Human Existence, in which he brings together science and philosophy, knowledge and imagination to create a twenty-first century treatise on the difference between human beings and other species.  Wilson is alarmed by the possibility of human behaviour interrupting the process of natural selection: are we facing the greatest moral dilemma since God stayed the hand of Abraham? E. O Wilson is the author of the New York Times bestsellers, The Social Conquest of Earth and Anthill: A Novel. He has twice won the Pulitzer Prize, and is the recipient of over a hundred awards for his contributions to science and conservation.  ” Every time humanity has been in danger of extinguishing itself, our consciousness and our conscience have led us to come together. That’s the big issue of the 21st century. That’s the great fight of the next 25 years.” — Bill Clinton on The Social Conquest of Earth. In association with:                                    Read more.

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An Evening with P.J.O’Rourke

with P J O'Rourke  

How It Got That Way… And It Wasn’t My Fault… And I’ll Never Do It Again. How did the Baby Boom become what it is, and who let them get away with it? On a rare visit to London, aging Baby Boomer and Grumpy Old Man, P. J. O’Rourke, takes a hilarious look at the generation who are oversized, overwrought, overbearing and all over the place, from Obama to Donovan. Former disco-bunnies, drop-outs, and dope-heads, the baby-boomers pulled down the Berlin wall, put their faith in the Kyoto Accord, and triggered the global financial crisis. Find out what on earth has been happening in an evening with the funniest man alive. In association with: Read more.

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An Evening with Michael Sandel

with Michael J. Sandel  

This is an unmissable opportunity to hear the world famous philosopher Michael Sandel address the outstanding question of our age: how do we want to live together? He has been called ‘the most effective communicator of ideas’ in English, our most ‘relevant living philosopher’, a ‘genius’, a humanitarian, who can has taken philosophy into the global public domain and empowered audiences worldwide to participate in the highest quality of debate. His Harvard ‘Justice’ course has become legendary. In Britain, BBC R4 audiences will know him as The Public Philosopher. In the past, he has engaged live audiences in questions such as: Why should we vote? What are the moral limits markets? Should a banker be paid more than a nurse? Is it ethical to buy body organs? Should Universities give preference to poor applicants? Should we hire mercenaries to fight our wars, and should we sell citizenship? Quite simply, Michael Sandel changes the way we think. In association with: Read more.

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Great Thinkers: Daniel Dennett – A Lunchtime Talk

with Daniel Dennett  

Add an accordion just with a headline H6 Hello Test! This is something I want to expand! Or try this! In this rare London appearance, the legendary philosopher and cognitive scientist Daniel Dennett will be speaking at the How To Academy in a new series of ” Great Thinkers.” One of the most brilliant, vigorous minds of his generation, Daniel Dennett is considered by his legions of fans to be the pre-eminent secularist and cognitive scientist at work today. Do join us at lunchtime on the 18th March for what promises to be a fascinating talk. Photo: Alonso Nichols Read more.

Venue

CNCFD- Condé Nast College of Fashion & Design

16-17 Greek Street
Soho
London W1D 4DR

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Have Presence, and be Self-Assured in Moments of Pressure

with Amy Cuddy  

With a TED talk that has attracted over 29 million views, social psychologist Amy Cuddy is undoubtedly the most influential expert in non-verbal communication in the world today. She joins the how to: Academy in February to give a masterclass in Presence: the ability to shape the impression we give to others, and ensure that we feel strongest in the moments that really matter. From job interviews to break-ups, arguments to business deals, we frequently find ourselves in situations that require us to articulate our genuine views and opinions with eloquence and strength. Too often, we come away from these challenges feeling that we have short-changed ourselves, given a false impression, or missed an important point. In this talk, Amy Cuddy will draw on cutting-edge science to explain how we can adopt physical and psychological behaviours that will allow us to feel self-assured in high-pressure moments. Praise for Presence: ‘Amy Cuddy is the high priestess of self-confidence for the self-doubting. In Presence, she uses her warmth, empathy, and laser-sharp intelligence to decode the mysteries of presence under social pressure. A must-read for – well, for everyone.’ – Susan Cain, author of the SUNDAY TIMES bestseller Quiet ‘With advice that is both practical and profound, Amy Cuddy shows how to summon your true and best self when doing so matters most. Emotions are contagious. If you personify poise and optimism yourself, you enhance the odds that they will respond in kind.’ – Michael Wheeler, Harvard Business School. author of The Art of Negotiation Read more.

Venue

Curzon (Mayfair)

38 Curzon Street
Mayfair
London W1J 7TY

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The Pleasure and Purpose of Behavioural Economics

with Paul Dolan  

Happiness is many things to many people. Some say it is the meaning of life… the Beatles a warm gun. But most would argue that it is unquantifiable. Most, however, do not include Paul Dolan. As a Professor of Behavioural Science at the London School of Economics and an expert in behavioural economics, Dolan conducts original research into the measurement of happiness and its causes and consequences. During this talk, Dolan will discuss his new book, Happiness by Design. The book shows that in order to improve our mental wellbeing, we must actively re-design our immediate environment. Using what he calls, ‘deciding, designing and doing,’ Dolan will explain how we can overcome the biases that make us miserable and redesign our environments to make it easier to experience happiness, fulfillment, and even health. Read more.

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Will Self in conversation with Will Self: Expect controversy

with Will Self  

This will not be your usual Q + A. Will Self, the novelist and vociferous commentator, will be answering questions of profound importance; posited by himself, us, the audience, or simply pulled out of thin air. Questions such as: What will happen to literary culture in the wired world? Is the right/left political divide otiose? Is it possible to enjoy the city without money? What is the nature of consciousness? And many more beside…  Those curious for answers, will be able to put any question of their liking to Self. One warning: you might not like the answer. Read more.

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An Evening with Dan Ariely

with Dan Ariely  

We often think we are rational, that we know how to make decisions, that we are in control. But are we? In this talk by Dan Ariely, a leading Professor of Psychology and Behavioural Economics, whose talks on TED have been watched over 4.8million times, we will discover some of the ways we are out of control and influenced by forces we don’t always fully understand. This talk by Dan Ariely is followed by an interview with Matthew Taylor. For further examples of Professor Ariely’s work , do visit his Kickstarter page detailing the film about truth and dishonesty which Professor Ariely is hoping to make. https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1501481976/dishonesty-a-documentary-feature-film In association with: Media Partner: Read more.

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Martin Amis on The Holocaust

with Martin Amis  

The How To Academy Literary Talks series presents an Evening with Martin Amis in conversation with Gaby Wood discussing amongst other topics his new book The Zone of Interest which is set against the backdrop of The Holocaust. Reviews ‘He likes to stamp every sentence with his authority, like the name through a stick of rock, and here he reinvents hell on earth in his distinctively gaudy, insistent, elaborate prose. It is exceptionally brave…. Shakespearean…. It’s exciting; it’s alive; it’s more than slightly mad. As the title suggests, it is dreadfully interesting.’ Theo Tait, Sunday Times ‘A brutish comedy, an occult tale of jealousy and revenge, a farce of thwarted will and missed cues…. He has created a fictional artifice that allows us to see the outline of that which is beyond words’ Alex Clark, Guardian ‘Auschwitz was, in the most essential sense, “unspeakable”. It’s thus something only creative writing can speak about. If you’re Amis, that is…. The most daring novelist of our time’ John Sutherland, The Times Read more.

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A conversation with Damian Lewis: TimesTalks London.

with Damian Lewis  

Golden Globe®– and Emmy Award-winning British actor Damian Lewis talks with International New York Times theater critic Matt Wolf about his roles in Shakespeare, Molière and Ibsen; his television work, including the hit series “Homeland” and “Band of Brothers,” as well as his roles in upcoming films “The Silent Storm,” “Queen of the Desert” and “Our Kind of Traitor.” 20% discount for How To subscribers with promotional code HOWTO Read more.

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An Evening with Nobel Peace Prize Winner: Shirin Ebadi

Dr. Shirin Ebadi in conversation with Azadeh Moaveni  

Nobel Peace Prize-winning human rights lawyer and activist Dr Shirin Ebadi joins the how to: Academy for a special event to tell of her fight for reform inside Iran and the devastating backlash she faced after winning the Nobel Peace Prize. Having fought tirelessly for democracy, equality before the law and freedom of speech, Shirin Ebadi has become a global voice of inspiration. Yet inside her homeland, her own life was plagued with daily surveillance, relentless intimidation and unsparing violence. This talk, as well as presenting the story of the author’s personal struggle and determination to continue her life’s work, will provide an illuminating account of life and politics in Iran today. For those interested in democracy, equality, and freedom of speech, the chance to hear Dr Shirin Ebadi first-hand is not one to be missed. “Democracy doesn’t recognize east or west; democracy is simply people’s will. Therefore, I do not acknowledge that there are various models of democracy; there is just democracy itself.” This event will be conducted in Farsi, with consecutive translation. Read more.

Venue

The Tabernacle

35 Powis Square, off Portobello Road
London W11 2AY
United Kingdom

Tube: Westbourne Park, Notting Hill Gate Bus: 7, 28, 31, 70, 328

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Brexit Debate

Moderated by Jenni Russell. Arguing to leave the EU: Tom Kremer, Roger Scruton and Daniel Hannan. Arguing to stay in the EU: Simon Glendinning, Justin Champion and Laura Sandys. Undecided: Adam Zamoyski.  

The how to: Academy presents a Brexit debate with a difference that focuses on the very heart of Britain’s relationship to the European Union. Read more.

Venue

Conway Hall

25 Red Lion Square
London WC1R 4RL
United Kingdom

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Emotional Intelligence with Daniel Goleman

with Daniel Goleman  

Twenty years ago Daniel Goleman, a science reporter on the New York Times, published a book called Emotional Intelligence which explored how emotions are regulated in the brain. Goleman hoped that his findings might filter into the culture and effect the ways in which we think about  success. Today, the Harvard Business Review has hailed emotional intelligence as ‘paradigm-shattering’ concept, and in schools across America EI has become part of the curriculum, with children being taught to respond empathetically to others, to identify what makes them stressed, and to explore the ways in which communication can resolve, rather than aggravate, conflict. We are delighted to welcome Daniel Goleman to the How to Academy, to discuss with us the idea that has come to define our age. Read more.

Venue

Royal Institution

21 Albemarle Street
London W1S 4BS ‎
UK

Tube: Green Park, Bond Street, Oxford Circus, Piccadilly Circus
Bus: 9, 14, 19, 22 and 38

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Sunday Morning Live – Yanis Varoufakis in conversation with Michael Howard- Lord Howard of Lympne – on the Greek crisis and the EU.

with Yanis Varoufakis and Michael Howard, Lord Howard of Lympne.  

Join us for our next Sunday morning live event in which we are delighted to host Yanis Varoufakis, the former Greek Minister of Finance, in conversation with Michael Howard, Lord Howard of Lympne, discussing the Greek crisis, Austerity and Brexit. Read more.

Venue

The Tabernacle

35 Powis Square, off Portobello Road
London W11 2AY
United Kingdom

Tube: Westbourne Park, Notting Hill Gate Bus: 7, 28, 31, 70, 328

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Prepare an Exceptional Presentation from the head of TED – Chris Anderson

with Chris Anderson, Peter Florence  

Due to exceptional demand the venue has changed to the Royal Institution. Chris Anderson, the man behind TED Talks, joins the how to: Academy to talk about how to prepare an exceptional presentation and keep any audience engaged. From general speeches to business presentations, we all experience unavoidable situations where we have to speak to an audience, hold their interest, and gain their trust and respect. Chris Anderson’s experience in shaping the ‘ideas worth spreading’ of TED Talks’ amazing alumni (Amy Cuddy, Elizabeth Gilbert, Bill Gates, Sir Ken Robinson to name but a few) has given him an extraordinary insight into how to give an exceptional presentation – whether at an informal family occasion, or a global conference. We don’t all have to have ambitions to change the world – but the ability to capture the hearts of those we speak to is a skill that will never be wasted. Join Chris Anderson and the how to: Academy to learn how you can give a first-class presentation. The event will open with a TED-length talk by Chris Anderson, after which he will be in conversation with Peter Florence, Director of the Hay Festivals. ‘ Nobody in the world better understands the art and science of public speaking than Chris Anderson. He is the absolutely perfect person to have written this book, and it will be a gift to many.‘ – Elizabeth Gilbert ‘ Is there a single recipe for a great speech? Of course not. But there are some essential ingredients, which the TED team sets out here with concision, verve and wit (which are also some of the ingredients). An inspiring, contemporary guide to the venerable arts of oratory.‘ – Sir Ken Robinson Read more.

Venue

Royal Institution

21 Albemarle Street
London W1S 4BS ‎
UK

Tube: Green Park, Bond Street, Oxford Circus, Piccadilly Circus
Bus: 9, 14, 19, 22 and 38