Seven Deadly Sins: A contemporary look at timeless temptations

Gluttony. Greed. Sloth. Pride. Envy. Lust. Wrath. These are the seven deadly sins, the vices of humankind that define immorality, the roots of all evil in the world. Or so some believe. But do these sins really represent moral failings, or are they simply wired human functions that aid us, and sometimes fail us? Is envy always corrosive, or can it be a spur to ambition? Is wrath always destructive, or can righteous anger fuel positive change? As we explore these ancient categories, we might also ask: who benefits from labelling these emotions as 'deadly'—and who is being warned? So, whether you identify as saint, sinner, or somewhere in between, share with us your favourite vice or indulgence at our meetup discussion as we delve into the complex world of sin.

Podcast: Stephen Fry’s 7 Deadly Sins (8-part audio series) (2020) by Stephen Fry.

Book: Seven Deadly Sins - The Biology of Being Human (2024) by Guy Leschziner.

This month we have two alternatives for you (but you are welcome to do both). For a cultural, philosophical, and entertaining take on the topic, Stephen Fry’s 7 Deadly Sins is an eight-part audio series in which Fry reflects on each of the sins with his characteristic wit, erudition, and curiosity. He moves beyond simplistic moral judgments, inviting listeners to think critically and playfully about the role each sin plays in our inner lives and social systems. With references to literature, history, psychology, and pop culture, Fry opens up the sins as complex human tendencies—sometimes shameful, sometimes essential, always fascinating.

For those interested in a more scientific approach in the tradition of Oliver Sacks, Seven Deadly Sins: The Biology of Being Human (2024) by Guy Leschziner explores the seven deadly sins through the lens of contemporary neuroscience. Leschziner, a consultant neurologist, delves into how brain function and evolutionary forces shape emotions and impulses like pride, greed, lust, and envy. Rather than moral failings, these “sins” are reframed as deeply human drives that have helped our species survive—though not without consequences in the modern world. The book blends clinical case studies, scientific research, and personal insight to show how the biology of the brain intersects with timeless ethical concerns.

To enrich the meetup conversation and provide shared reference points, you’re strongly encouraged to engage with at least one of these two resources—the podcast or the book—though you’re very welcome to explore both. There are also some other related resources linked below that you may wish to look at (but totally optional).

So, join us for a drink (and optional meal) at 6.30pm Monday, 2nd June at the far-end of the 2nd floor at the Keg & Brew Hotel, Surrey Hills. The Keg & Brew is close to Central Station and the Light Rail.

We hope to see you there and look forward to a deliciously sinful discussion!

p.s. Please adjust your RSVP if you have indicated that you will come but are no longer able to do so. This is courteous to people if there is a waitlist.

p.p.s. Please adjust your email notifications (particularly for the Big Ideas Book Club settings in the main email notification settings page). This is useful for giving any final details or late changes to the event.

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These are just possible links to consider, particularly if you can't get the book. Feel free to pass on other useful links in the discussion section.

Audio-Visual
- Stephen Fry’s 7 Deadly Sins podcast is available on several platforms. Here are the Spotify and Apple versions:
Spotify - Stephen Fry's 7 Deadly Sins
Apple - Stephen Fry's 7 Deadly Sins

If you prefer to read the transcripts, some links are here:
Transcripts of Stephen Fry's 7 Deadly Sins

- If you are not enjoying the Stephen Fry podcast, an alternative podcast series on the same topic is the BBC’s Seven Deadly Psychologies (2023) (also probably available on multiple platforms):
BBC Seven Deadly Psychologies

- Here are a couple of podcasts with Guy Leschziner on the book:
The Guardian – Are we hardwired to sin? (20 mins)
How to Academy – Guide to the 7 deadly sins (1hr)

- Key insights from the Leschziner book:
Next Big Idea Club

Written
- Insights and review of Leschziner’s book:
The Next Big idea Club – Scientifically Examining 7 Deadly Sins
Judging the seven deadly sins

- Some history of the seven deadly sins:
Sinful History: The Strange and Unknown Origins of the Seven Deadly Sins
Wikipedia – Seven Deadly Sins

- Some articles with modern takes on the seven deadly sins:
The deadly sins – British psychological society
Modernising the seven deadly sins (social control perspective)