Operating in the intersections between politics, history and literature, Fintan O’Toole continues to elude definition despite being one of Ireland’s leading intellectuals. Yet, across his myriad activities and 25 books, a common theme is clear: the power of decisions, both brave and bad, to change lives. History is proof of this, politics and culture an expression of it, and literature and theatre the tools we use to make sense of it. His work embraces all of these and more.  

Whether as an award-winning journalist or in his role as the Leonard L. Milberg visiting lecturer in Irish Letters at Princeton University, Fintan’s animating passion is the idea that everyone has the same human potential and the same human right to fulfill it. How and if we realise that potential is determined by the decisions we make. In knitting together the facts and influences that shape his opinions, Fintan provokes us to better understand our own, and the decisions we make as a result. 

Politics:
Brexit, Trumpism, Democracy. Fintan brings his insight and opinions on how the global political landscape is shaping our decisions, society and culture, and he explores how we can collectively and individually make a difference. 

Society:
Living a dignified life. The minimum set of conditions needed to create this life.  Education, healthcare, agency, empowerment.  

Globalisation:
The lessons learnt from Ireland’s history of globalisation.