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19/05/2013

Selection of BBC World Service Programmes BBC Radio 4 joins the BBC World Service.

A Point of View

Image for In Praise of the Nanny State

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In Praise of the Nanny State

Duration:
10 minutes
First broadcast:
Friday 04 February 2011

Alain de Botton asks why the idea of a nanny state is so unappealing. He says complete freedom - left totally to our own devices - is rarely what we want. He says there's a lot to be said for the odd paternalistic nudge in the right direction.

Producer: Adele Armstrong.

Broadcasts

The Best of A Point of View

The Best of A Point of View

Explore highlights from the A Point of View archive.

Free downloads

  1. Image for A Point of View

    A Point of View

    Weekly reflections on topical issues from a range of contributors including historian Lisa Jardine,...

  2. Image for A Point of View: Clive James

    A Point of View: Clive James

    Clive James presents reflections on topical issues ranging from politics to pop culture in this...

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