I find it endearing that the least interesting thing about Sir Patrick Stewart’s recent memoir, Making It So (2023), are the Hollywood anecdotes. His origin story, of finding an interest and then being encouraged to develop that interest to the best of his ability, should be a path offered to every youth. As he observes: “I was fortunate to grow up in a time when there was a compact between the government and the people dictating that the arts were a necessity of life, not a frivolity.”

Speaking of adults doing the right thing, you must listen to Arnold Schwarzenegger explain why he refuses to describe himself as “self-made man” on Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend. It’s too bad he can’t run for president. I’m serious. We’re already through the looking-glass, friends.

Speaking of podcasts, if my notes from last week about Timothy Garton Ash’s memoir, Homelands, failed to entice your curiosity, perhaps his recent chat with Paul Wells will.