Genius of the Ancient World

How could a prince born into privilege give up everything and reject hierarchies? How could a family man leave his wife and child on a quest for the solution to human suffering? Historian Bettany Hughes uncovers the roots of the Buddha’s ideas of self-improvement and interconnectedness. It’s a fascinating tale of how one wanderer created a revolution in thinking that is still as radical as ever.

Socrates ideas became the foundations of Western civilization, but his message of spiritual self care - to find ‘the best way to be’- was incendiary and led to his execution. But what do we really know about the man behind the legacy? From his suburban childhood, time in the Greek wars, and his philosophical awakening, this is the story of the ancient thinker who shaped our modern mindset.

All Confucius wanted was peace. Born into civil war and impacted by childhood trauma, he developed a philosophy of harmony, balance and a belief in the natural goodness of humankind - revolutionary at that time. In this landmark study, told on film for the first time, we see how China’s modern success rests upon Confucius’ shoulders and explore the past that created this radical thinker.