ANU Meet the Author series
Stan Grant will be in conversation on his latest book, When Words Fail Us, Truth Beyond Time.
Free Event: Registration is required
Most of us, in our lives, will witness things we cannot comprehend, when words fail to do justice to the moment. In those moments, to whom or what can we turn? To God? To philosophy? To music? To ourselves, or to our fellow humans?
In this deeply reflective and timely book, Stan Grant – one of Australia’s most prominent voices on identity, nationhood and belonging – explores the fragility of language and the profound importance of listening, silence and philosophy in an age of distracted, angry noise and disembodied algorithms. Drawing on thinkers from Plato to Simone Weil, and even Radiohead, this When Words Fail Us offers a thoughtful compendium of ideas and reflection.
‘I am out of words at home. I have grown bored with my language, bored with my voice, bored with my writing. My words labour under the weight of Australia’s history. The land itself, as much as I love it, bears down hard. Now in another place, I am finding lighter words. At times, I may not need to speak at all. I smile; I nod. I seek permission to speak. Please, do you mind? Will you allow me?’ Stan Grant.
Stan Grant AM, a proud Wiradjuri man, is Professor of Theology and Vice Chancellor's Chair of Australian-Indigenous Belonging at Charles Sturt University. He is one of Australia's most respected journalists, authors, and Indigenous affairs commentators. With a career spanning over 30 years, he has won multiple Walkley and Logie awards for reporting. His previous books include Talking to My Country The Queen is Dead, Murriyang and Australia Day.
Fiona Jenkins is Emeritus Professor in the School of Philosophy, Research School of Social Sciences at the ANU, and former Director of the ANU Gender Institute. Her work in social and gender justice has included investigating the restricted boundaries of philosophy as a discipline, and fostering broader engagement with this ancient, yet always re-invented mode of thinking.
The vote of thanks will be given by Colin Steele AM FAHA, Emeritus Fellow ANU.
Books will be available for signing from 5.30pm and again after the event.
Additional information:
Registration is required for this event.
Accessible parking spaces are available around campus should you require them.
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A podcast will be made available after the event.