How does our attention shape reality? Can we achieve real depth of thought or have we surrendered to the noise?

In the second episode of Thinking Deeply, Professor Carolin Duttlinger joins Robin Clyfan for a conversation exploring the dynamic relationship between attention and distraction as it unfolds through the 20th century, putting an historic lens on an enduring yet urgent question: How do we keep focus? And should we?

Professor Duttlinger is Professor of German Literature and Culture at Wadham College, University of Oxford. Her work sits at the intersection of history, philosophy and contemporary life, making her uniquely positioned to help us understand why focus has become so contested and what we might learn from the past.

This conversation was recorded live at Ned’s Club at The Ned, London, as part of a new series examining how we make sense of the defining ideas of our time, presented in partnership between The Ned and the Wadham Experience.

Thinking Deeply creates space for sustained inquiry into the questions that matter. No quick takes. No soundbites. Just thoughtful exploration with leading minds.

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