Watch Genius of the Modern World

Genius of the Modern World is a gripping historical documentary series that delves into the lives and theories of some of the most influential thinkers and philosophers of the modern era. Hosted by the acclaimed historian Bettany Hughes, the series comprises three episodes, each of which explores the philosophies and contributions of one of the great minds of the 19th and 20th centuries.

The first episode of the series examines the life and work of Friedrich Nietzsche. Nietzsche was a German philosopher, cultural critic, and poet whose work is still considered important to this day. As Hughes takes us through the streets of Turin, where Nietzsche spent his later years, we learn about his views on the nature of power and morality, his rejection of religion, and his development of the concept of the 'Superman'. Through interviews with scholars and experts, as well as dramatic reconstructions, we get a sense of Nietzsche's passion and brilliance as well as the controversy and scandal his ideas often courted.

The second episode of the series explores the life and work of Sigmund Freud, the Austrian neurologist who is widely considered to be the founder of psychoanalysis. Hughes takes us on a tour of Vienna, Freud's hometown, and explains the revolutionary impact of his theories on the understanding of the human mind and behavior. Through interviews with Freud scholars, we learn about his concepts of the unconscious, his exploration of the role of sexuality in human psychology, and his influence on modern psychiatry.

The third and final episode of the series examines the philosopher and economist Karl Marx. Hughes takes us to Trier, Germany, where Marx was born and to London, where he spent much of his adult life. Through interviews with historians and experts, as well as dramatizations of key moments in Marx's life, we gain a deeper understanding of his theories on capitalism, labour, and social justice. We learn about Marx's belief that the inequality of the capitalist system would inevitably lead to revolution and the establishment of a socialist state.

Throughout the series, Hughes not only illuminates the philosophical contributions of these three great minds but also contextualizes their ideas within the historical and social contexts in which they developed. We learn about the political and economic transformations of the late 19th and early 20th centuries that informed their theories, as well as the cultural and intellectual movements that surrounded them. Hughes also highlights the personal struggles and inner demons that plagued these thinkers, making them not just historical figures, but complex and fascinating human beings.

In addition to the insightful and engaging commentary provided by Hughes, the series also features contributions from other scholars and experts in the fields of philosophy, history, and psychology. The combination of these different voices and perspectives creates a truly multidimensional portrait of these great thinkers, making it a fascinating and valuable resource for anyone interested in the history of ideas.

Overall, Genius of the Modern World is a thought-provoking and engrossing series that sheds new light on some of the most important and influential philosophers of the modern era. The combination of historical context, biographical detail, and philosophical analysis makes it an excellent resource for students of philosophy or history, as well as anyone interested in the key ideas that have shaped our world.

Genius of the Modern World is a series that ran for 1 seasons (3 episodes) between June 16, 2016 and on Acorn TV