Author: Duncan Simpson

Duncan Simpson is a Londoner who writes on philosophy, current affairs and music. He works in the biotechnology sector. He has written for Souciant and maintains the Askesis blog.

Ideological Upheaval

By Duncan Simpson
Posted on
Posted in Critical Times

Left headed right. Hygiene demo, Neukölln.

Since the start of the Coronavirus pandemic, opposition to anti-contagion efforts has been led by a small number of fringe groups and quasi-movements linked together by social media. (More…)

Cold War Steve

By Duncan Simpson
Posted on
Posted in Photo Essays

Looks a bit fishy. Cold War Steve collage, Manchester.

In Anatomy of Melancholy (1621), English writer Robert Burton offered a precise explanation for the phenomena of laughter as that which seeks to “condemn the world of folly”.  (More…)

Cutting Up Boris Johnson

By Duncan Simpson
Posted on
Posted in Reviews

The three-word plan. Boris Johnson, June 2020.

Emerging from the early morning fog, the polymorphous skyline of London’s financial centre can just about be glimpsed. (More…)

The COVID Excuse

By Duncan Simpson
Posted on
Posted in Behind The Lines

Framing the crisis. Pandemic messaging, Berlin.

As vaccination programmes in Europe and America accelerate, there is increasing clamour for their benefits to be fast-tracked through the use of vaccination or immunity passports. (More…)

The Truth About Coronavirus

By Duncan Simpson
Posted on
Posted in Behind The Lines

Hope is not science. London, May 2020.

The phrase “being led by the science” has been repeated like a battle cry by leaders across Europe since the first cases of COVID-19 appeared on the continent in February. (More…)

Pandemic Interiors

By Duncan Simpson
Posted on
Posted in Reviews

Home arrest. London, April 2020.

Dark ambient music is an unlikely vehicle for contemporary social criticism. (More…)

Life Under Lockdown

By Duncan Simpson
Posted on
Posted in Critical Times
The only thing they can do is run. London, 8 May.

The only thing they can do is run. London, 8 May.

I’ve been very lucky in lockdown. I’m on the first floor of a small block, not two dozen floors up, shut into a little box where the windows don’t open and the lift is always broken. (More…)

A Political Obituary

By Duncan Simpson
Posted on
Posted in Critical Times

Theresa May visits Canada to meet Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Though the chimes of Big Ben, looming over the Palace of Westminster, are silent, the bell has finally tolled for Prime Minister Theresa May. (More…)

As we embark on our next phase of development, we are seeking feedback on our content, coverage, products and formats, as well as audiences’ interests and preferences for engagement.

We would be grateful if you would take a few moments to share your thoughts and observations by completing this short survey.

Enter the survey