logo
episode-header-image
Apr 2021
32m 8s

Masterly Inactivity Versus Micromanaging

Pushkin Industries
About this episode

Lady Sale (played by Helena Bonham Carter) was part of a bloody and ignominious British retreat from Afghanistan in 1842. The arrogant colonial invaders had thought intervening in Afghan affairs and dominating the country would be easy - they were wrong. Lady Sale was among the lucky few to escape with her life.

Wiser heads later recommended "masterly inactivity" as a better course of action. In politics, parenting and even medicine - avoiding the temptation to act is a sadly neglected art form.

Read more about Tim's work at http://timharford.com/

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Up next
Today
Introducing... Unexplained: Lying in Wait
This episode comes to you from Unexplained, the podcast that explores mysterious and haunting true stories. In 2009, during the war in Afghanistan, eight marines are tasked with occupying an isolated outpost known as The Rock. For those marines, the war is going to become strange ... Show More
35m 28s
Oct 23
The Pedlar and the Witch | Halloween Season
In 1612, a young woman encounters a pedlar in the British countryside. A seemingly trivial quarrel spirals into chaos when the pedlar is struck down by an unknown force, leading to one of Britain's most notorious witch trials. Justice for Witches Campaign: https://charlottemeredi ... Show More
39m 15s
Oct 16
A Tale of Blood and Ashes: The Exeter Vampires | Halloween Season
In 1800s America, something terrifying is feeding on the quiet town of Exeter. As members of George Brown's family succumb one by one, the town considers drastic measures to protect the living from the dead. For a list of sources, see the show notes at timharford.com Cautionary T ... Show More
37m 44s
Recommended Episodes
Jul 2019
Royal Treatment
Today, we meet a woman who survived a chilling ordeal, and take a look at a list of people that seems far too good to be true. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comJoin our Patreon for ad-free episodes!: https://www.patreon.com/grimandmildSee om ... Show More
9m 30s
Dec 2022
get uninvolved
discussing the beauty of withdrawing your energy from the same old patterns & getting uninvolved.show links: https://bio.site/siobhanlauren Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. 
21m 47s
Sep 2023
80. 1842: The Retreat from Kabul
As the British occupation of Kabul collapses, the troops flee. What follows is one of the darkest events in British imperial history. A treacherous journey through mountain passes in crippling winter conditions leaves the British at the mercy of the Afghan forces. Over 15,000 men ... Show More
50m 4s
Oct 2025
What to Do When You Want to Escape the Moment
It’s normal to want to escape awkward, heavy, or boring moments — but distraction often leaves us feeling more disconnected. In this episode, Dora reflects on her silent retreat experience and offers mindful practices to name the urge, soften discomfort, and stay present with com ... Show More
4m 52s
Oct 2022
The art of letting go
Let's all take a deep breath and stop obsessing over every aspect of our lives. In this episode of Thick & Thin, I relinquish my crown and title of "Queen of Control" and realize that perfectionism is not always the goal. Because if we learn to trust our instincts and follow our ... Show More
49m 27s
Jun 2020
Hedwig’s Lost Van Gogh
An escape from war-torn Germany. Lavish dinners with Hollywood royalty. A Swedish baron and a dime-store heiress: we explore the long journey of a Van Gogh still life — and what it says about the real value of the things we treasure.Get Revisionist History updates first by signin ... Show More
39m 47s
Sep 2021
Lady Mary Wortley Montagu Part 2
The worldwide eradication of smallpox was not Lady Mary Wortley Montagu's only claim to fame; she discarded the life she knew and set out to remake herself, acquiring a reputation for eccentricity, adventures worthy of a modern motion picture, and unwanted literary superstardom. ... Show More
1h 53m
Jul 2025
Rest Before You Break
In a culture that idolizes productivity, choosing rest can feel radical. Dora shares a story of burnout, stillness, and the brave decision to cancel plans — not because of a crisis, but because of care. This episode is a permission slip to pause, say no, and refill your cup befor ... Show More
5m 21s
Aug 2025
Rest Before You Break
In a culture that idolizes productivity, choosing rest can feel radical. Dora shares a story of burnout, stillness, and the brave decision to cancel plans — not because of a crisis, but because of care. This episode is a permission slip to pause, say no, and refill your cup befor ... Show More
5m 21s