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To The Best Of Our Knowledge

The Hindus: An Alternative History

American Wendy Doniger holds two doctorates in Sanskrit and Indian studies from Harvard and Oxford. She’s the author of numerous books on Hinduism and has translated several Sanskrit texts. She’s widely considered one of the most important scholars on Indian religion in the world. So it might surprise you that there is one country in the world she can’t visit: India.

Doniger’s books have been targeted by Hindu Nationalists and by India’s ruling right-wing BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party). Her latest, “The Hindus: An Alternative History,” was the subject of a major lawsuit in India, and its publisher, Penguin Books India, not only pulled the book from circulation but destroyed all remaining copies. Since then, Doniger has received many death threats inside of India and no longer feels safe visiting there. But as she told Steve Paulson, her writing about Hinduism hasn’t changed in over 40 years. What has changed is India.

To The Best Of Our Knowledge

The Mark of Trump

Recently hundreds of Evangelical leaders met with Donald Trump.  One prominent Evangelical who did not attend is Michael Gerson, the former speechwriter and top aide to President George W. Bush. Gerson believes it's time to reframe the conservative agenda and he warns his fellow believers to beware “The Mark of Trump.”

To The Best Of Our Knowledge

Steve Paulson on Information and TTBOOK

In this EXTENDED interview, Steve Paulson talks about his stacks of books, hunger for knowledge. He also explores the difference between data, information, knowledge and... wisdom! 

To The Best Of Our Knowledge

The Story of the Arabian Nights

Everyone thinks The Arabian Nights is a collection of stories and folktales from the Middle East.  In fact, some of the most famous were written by Europeans, who fell in love with the tradition and wanted more.

To The Best Of Our Knowledge

Zorba Paster on Living Long and Well

Zorba Paster tells Jim Fleming that many of the practices outlined in his book “The Longevity Code” grow out of his Buddhist practice and belief.

To The Best Of Our Knowledge

Ronald Aronson on "Camus and Sartre"

Ronald Aronson is the author of “Camus and Sartre: The Story of a Friendship and the Quarrel That Ended It.”  Aronson recounts the relationship and the very public dispute between two of the twentieth century’s leading intellectuals.

To The Best Of Our Knowledge

Salman Rushdie on "The Wizard of Oz"

Salman Rushdie tells Steve Paulson about his very first memories of "The Wizard of Oz."

To The Best Of Our Knowledge

Walter Moskowitz tattooing and black eyes

Walter Moskowitz learned tattooing from his father William, who did tattoos from the basement of his barbershop called Willy’s. In bruising Bowery fashion, the shop offered a unique service.

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