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
Yesterday
The Doors of Death: The Herald of Free Enterprise
The Herald of Free Enterprise is a new class of ferry that allows cars to drive directly into the ship. The doors must be closed before every departure, or the ship sails with a gaping hole at one end. One black night in 1987, on the freezing waters off Zebrugge, Belgium, a singl ... Show More
37m 48s
Jul 17
"What a Bloody Mess we're in" - Britain's [REDACTED] Accident
Windscale is supposed to be Britain's big leap into the nuclear age, bringing science fiction to life in 1950s Northern England. But in the race to catch up with America's nuclear program, scientists are tinkering with forces they don't fully understand. When the reactor catches ... Show More
40m 32s
Jul 10
Attack of the Night People
If you tuned in to late-night WOR radio in 1950s New York, you'd enter the secret world of Jean Shepherd. Shepherd's nonconformist style, off-beat humor and love of pranks gathered a small but loyal following. These "Night People" loved being in on the joke, while the oblivious " ... Show More
40m 43s
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
5m 22s
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
52m 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 51s
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 51s