The Silence of Animals: On progress and other modern myths

John Gray, one of Britain's most provocative and stimulating philosophers, visits the RSA to discuss the ideas raised in 'The Silence of Animals' - the much-anticipated sequel to the best-selling 'Straw Dogs'.

Are we all just 'deluded animals'?
John Gray, one of Britain's most provocative philosophers, visits the RSA to discuss the ideas raised in 'The Silence of Animals' - the much-anticipated sequel to 'Straw Dogs'.
Gray will discuss the religious origins of modern ideas of progress in civilisation and suggest that the prevailing belief in gradual improvement is a myth. Examining the lives of people who abandoned or never subscribed to it, he will ask what might replace the ruling myth.
Along the way he will consider Naples in 1944 and flying saucers...

Speaker: John Gray, political philosopher and author.
Chair: Jonathan Derbyshire, culture editor, New Statesman