Intelligence Squared Intelligence Squared

Can Pigs Really Appreciate Bach? Katherine Rundell Live

Oct 12, 2026 · 1h 23m

Summary

In this live event at Conway Hall, host Shahid Abari interviews author Catherine Rundle about her new book, *Napoleon's Orangutan*. Rundle explores the intelligence and fragility of twelve endangered creatures, ranging from Napoleon’s pet orangutan to pigs that can distinguish musical instruments. The discussion highlights the urgent need to protect biodiversity, the importance of maintaining wonder through learning, and the collective responsibility to address the climate crisis before it is too late.

Topics discussed

Checkout.com Sponsorship and Introduction Book Overview: Napoleon's Orangutan Discussion of The Golden Mole Host Introduction and Audience Engagement Napoleon's Pet Orangutan: Rose Jack the Orangutan and Human Preeminence Mythical Creatures and Historical Records The Legend of Raining Snakes Growing Up in Zimbabwe Wildlife Encounters in Childhood Memory and Enchantment of Nature The Importance of Unsupervised Nature Describing the Golden Mole Research Process and Writing Style Beaver Testicles and Historical Myths Criteria for Selecting Endangered Species Picasso's Owls and Artistic Inspiration Birds as Omens in Roman History Academic Research and Oxford Fellowship Glowworms in World War I Reconnecting with Animals as Adults The Concept of Wonder Hands-on Learning in Nature Anthropic Sponsorship Kubota Construction Equipment Sponsorship Limits of Understanding Animals The Lie of Earth Ownership Historical Roots of Natural History Influences: Impossible Creatures and Douglas Adams Illustrations by Chris Wommels William Blake and Delight in Life Encroachment on Natural Delight Urgency of Climate Action Technology vs. Political Will Individual Action in Conservation Humility in Conservation Efforts Personal Financial Choices for Climate Donating Royalties to Charities Balancing Personal Gain and Giving Political Activism and Voice Sources of Encouragement Finding Good News as Resistance Humans as Extraordinary Animals Audience Q&A: Orangutan Story Orangutan Repatriation from Taipei Personal Connection to Orangutans Shopify Sponsorship Checkout.com Sponsorship Kubota Construction Equipment Sponsorship Mythical Creatures in Glamoria Making Mythical Creatures Real Faith and the Natural World Personal Faith and Podcast Discussions Environmental Cost of AI Stolen Labor in AI Development AI in the Classroom Water Usage in Data Centers Historical Belief in Unicorns Mythical Animals in Glamoria Queen Camilla's Gift to Schools School Engagement with the Book Resources for Mythical Creatures Audience Q&A: Lighthearted Questions Perceptions of Environmental Change Timeline of Environmental Awareness Favorite Animals Future Book Collections Human Courage and Idiosyncrasy Closing Story Introduction The Woman with Nine Books Rising Prices for Wisdom The Final Book and Rescue Intelligence Squared Outro Star Wars: The Mandalorian Sponsorship
Listen ad-free on Castria

Episode summaries and topics are generated from the audio by Castria — a free podcast app that skips ads automatically.