Solo Talks

Delve deeper into the views and theories of your favourite speakers in intimate solo talks at HowTheLightGetsIn Hay 2023.

Hear radical scientists, insightful authors and big-thinking philosophers explore their particular areas of expertise, from Slavoj Žižek on the philosophy of happiness to Linda Yueh on the secrets of the global economy. From the future of the internet to the nature of our existence, these talks are an incredible window into thought-leading minds.

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A contemplative man sitting in a chair outdoors, surrounded by tall grass and mountains in the background.

The Life & Philosophy of Žižek

Slavoj Žižek
A close-up of a water droplet creating a splash, forming a distinctive mushroom-like shape with numerous tiny droplets surrounding it in a blue-toned environment.

The Future of Physics

Suchitra Sebastian, Neil Turok
A vibrant cosmic scene showcasing bright stars surrounded by colorful nebulae, with shades of red, purple, and scattered starlight against a backdrop of deep space.

A Universe of Possibility

George Ellis
Flags of China and India juxtaposed, showcasing China's red flag with a yellow star and India's tricolor flag with saffron, white, and green sections featuring a navy blue wheel.

China and India: The Future of the Next Century

Cindy Yu, Shashi Tharoor
A close-up of a plasma ball with vibrant purple and red electric arcs extending from a central globe, creating a dynamic and colorful display of energy.

The Chemicals That Create Consciousness

Nick Lane
A digitally rendered purple brain illustration showcasing detailed anatomical structures against a black background.

Why the Rational Believe the Irrational

Michael Shermer
Aerial view of turbulent ocean waves crashing on a dark blue sea, creating frothy white foam and a textured surface.

How Oceans Shaped the World

Helen Czerski
A glowing, geometric representation of a human head surrounded by swirling lines and dots suggesting energy and thought processes.

Stories of Reality

Sunetra Gupta
An hourglass with blue sand sits atop a bed of pebbles, symbolizing the passage of time in a serene outdoor setting.

The Mystery of Time

Gary Lachman
A collection of various coins, including a penny and several quarters, floating against a dark background.

When The Market Fails

Linda Yueh
Two curious pink piglets peering over a wooden fence, with soft dirt on their snouts and a blurred natural background.

The Moral Failing of our Time

Peter Egan
A colorful manhole cover featuring a smiling face design, painted in vibrant rainbow stripes, set against a dark asphalt background.

Surplus Happiness

Slavoj Žižek
A black-and-white image of a man with glasses sitting at a desk, examining documents, possibly a prominent historical figure or politician.

The Man Who Gave Hope to India's Dispossessed

Shashi Tharoor
Abstract image featuring wavy patterns in shades of orange and black, resembling marbled textures with varying line thickness and small circular shapes.

When Myth Becomes Reality

Janne Teller
A raised fist against a dark background, symbolizing resistance, solidarity, or empowerment.

The Quest For Freedom

Katarina Schwarz
A scenic sunset over a field featuring several wind turbines silhouetted against the colorful sky, with golden sunlight streaming through the landscape.

Saving Nature and the Economy

Guy Standing
A silhouette of a person standing in front of a large window, surrounded by darkness, creating a stark contrast between light and shadow.

Mental Health Re-Imagined

Mark Salter
A white anarchy symbol depicted on a black background, featuring a stylized letter "A" enclosed within a circular outline.

Anarchism Re-Imagined

Sophie Scott-Brown
Illustrations depicting the five senses: eye (sight), nose (smell), tongue (taste), ear (hearing), hand (touch), and brain (processing sensory information).

Philosophy of the Senses

Barry Smith