The 2024 Angus Millar Lecture

A highlight of the RSA’s Scotland programme, the Angus Millar Lecture is funded by the legacy of Angus Millar FRSA. In his address, O’Hagan explored the vital role of cultural heritage in an era dominated by digital technology, algorithms, and misinformation. He highlighted the importance of preserving and reimagining cultural traditions to ensure they remain relevant for future generations.

Modern media and the battle for the truth

The Grenfell disaster of 2017 remains etched in our collective memory, a tragic event that claimed the lives of 72 people and left a lasting impact on the nation. Reflecting on his coverage of the disaster seven years ago in the Q&A, O’Hagan observed that the media at the time approached the story with preconceived narratives. By speaking to over 300 individuals directly affected, he gained a nuanced understanding of the tragedy that mainstream coverage often failed to capture. This, he argued, exemplifies the ongoing 'ideological war over facts' in journalism. O’Hagan urged both media professionals and audiences to value truthful, balanced reporting over sensationalism or prejudice. 

Threatening algorithms

Central to O’Hagan’s speech was the inherent limitations of algorithms, which he said lack the creativity and imagination that define true artistry. Drawing on a metaphor inspired by Robert Louis Stevenson, whose family built lighthouses, he described art as a beacon of light in dark times. While algorithms replicate existing ideas, artists offer unique visions that transcend the ordinary.

In his view, these political and social turmoil times, marked by the rise of populist leaders, might also signal the potential for a cultural rebirth. Scotland, with its rich history of resistance and innovation, could play a leading role in this revival, much as it did during the Enlightenment and the founding of the Edinburgh Festival after World War II.

The cost of social media: should we resist machines?

O’Hagan was deeply critical of social media’s role in spreading misinformation and creating division. Rather than driving connection, social platforms have fragmented society into echo chambers driven by hate and polarisation. He warned of the 'hollowing out' of journalism and literature, which risk losing their potential to provide meaningful counterpoints to digital dominance.

For O’Hagan, technology poses a danger to humanity by prioritising efficiency and profit over compassion and beauty. He argued that art, which often has no immediate 'usefulness', must be protected for its ability to nurture the human spirit. He urged artists to resist forces that diminish creativity and quoted Welsh poet and writer Dylan Thomas’s iconic plea to 'rage against the dying of the light'.

Despite the challenges, O’Hagan expressed optimism that troubled times could inspire a flowering of artistic creativity. He pointed to historical examples, such as Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn's writing about Soviet oppression, to show how cultural resilience can outlast even the darkest periods.

A call to action

O’Hagan ended his lecture with a stark warning: “The machines are not our friends.”

While acknowledging contradictions in his role as a fiction novelist, he underscored the importance of truth in both art and journalism. His words left the audience deeply reflective, underscoring the critical role literature and culture play in countering misinformation and safeguarding the human spirit. 

About speaker Andrew O’Hagan

Born in Glasgow, Andrew O’Hagan is one of Scotland’s most celebrated literary voices. He has been nominated for the Booker Prize three times and was named one of Granta’s Best of Young British Novelists in 2003.

Among his many accolades, he received the E. M. Forster Prize from the American Academy of Arts and Letters. O’Hagan serves as editor-at-large of the London Review of Books, is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature, and holds prestigious academic positions as a Visiting Professor of Creative Writing at King's College London and an Honorary Professor at the University of Glasgow's College of Arts and Humanities. His most recent novel, 'Caledonian Road', is a Sunday Times bestseller.

The Angus Millar Lecture exemplifies the RSA’s commitment to promoting engagement and thought leadership beyond London, showcasing our dedication to a truly national and inclusive approach. Held annually in Edinburgh, this signature event brings together Fellows and thought leaders to explore vital contemporary issues. The lecture itself is made possible through the generous legacy of Angus Millar FRSA, whose vision continues to inspire new generations. Through legacy gifting, initiatives like this can continue to flourish, advancing the RSA’s mission for years to come.