Genius of Western Civilization - Ep. 1: Liberty or Death? (4K) [6-part Celebration of The West]

The West is the New Culture Forum's landmark six-part documentary series exploring the history, achievements and genius of Western civilisation. Inspired by legendary TV programmes such as Civilisation, Kenneth Clark's 1969 masterpiece, The West is a bold reminder of who we are -- and why our culture is worth defending.

Episode 1: Liberty or Death
Whatever happened to Western self-confidence? NCF Senior Fellow Marc Sidwell introduces this landmark series, and investigates the mystery of how the West lost faith in itself after the end of the Cold War. We then turn to the even greater mystery – how did the West emerge from primitive poverty in the ruins of Rome to dominate the world?

Debunking the myth that the West's exceptional achievements are founded on plunder and exploitation, we explore its unconventional and decidedly uncivilised origins in the rivalrous and individualistic culture of the barbarians and the patchwork of powers that emerged after the fall of Rome's empire in Western Europe. But the West's "long road to civilisation" would never have got started without a revolutionary faith from the East...

New episodes of The West will premiere weekly, here on our YouTube channel:

Episode 2: The Christian Revolution
Episode 3: The Rule of Law
Episode 4: The Invention of Science
Episode 5: How Did The West Get So Rich?
Episode 6: Is The West History?

ABOUT THE SERIES:

In six 30-40 minute episodes, The West offers a brand new, panoramic account of our extraordinary, unconventional civilisation. This is the great, and still unfolding adventure of Western civilisation: who we are and why it matters, retold for a new generation.

The West is written and presented by Marc Sidwell, Senior Fellow at the New Culture Forum and author of the NCF's critically acclaimed book: "The Long March: How the Left Won the Culture War and What To Do About it".

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ABOUT THE SHOW:
So What You're Saying Is... (SWYSI) is a weekly discussion show with experts and significant figures from the political, cultural and academic worlds.

JOIN US ON SOCIAL MEDIA:

[ThranWoman]

Wonderful. Do you remember when the BBC used to produce this type of thoughtful documentary? Alas no more. Well done to all involved.

[richardlong]

The New Culture Forum does great work fighting for preservation of Western values and culture. Looking for to watching the series.

[cklg]

I'm an Anglo-Saxon and my family fought many bloodY battles on this land and how dare people now start trying to tear us down. We have graves dating back to 1200's (documented in our personal Chapel, but we are scattered before the 1200's in non-marked graves) that I can visit in Bampton to pay respect. So, how dare people now try and take our history away.

[krystynacalloway]

I'm an American (with some ties to Britain through my mom's family who were refugees from Poland after WW2). I will be watching this. I am looking forward to it. Thank you for doing this kind of work. In today's age, it is badly needed.

[oscartango]

You are a fantastic organisation and what you do is enlightening and reinvigorating our civilisation. You are doing the Lords work and I pray for your good every evening!

[jumblestiltskin]

The BBC is incapable of making something like this anymore. NCF leading the way.

[georgeash]

Imagine if this was put on BBC 1 at 9 pm on a Monday night. The entire Guardian newsroom would immediately die from a collective heart attack.

[totonash]

As a Muslim who has been studying Western history and thought intensively for almost two decades and who has compared Western civilization with other civilizations, including Islamic one, I am confident enough to declare that yes, the West is the best civilization in history. Western accomplishments in the natural sciences, politics, arts, philosophy are unprecedented, matchless, stunning, and worthy of much admiration. At times, I lament the fact I wasn't born a Westerner; I have a sort of inferiority complex, to be candid.

[Taek]

I had the great honour of shaking Marc Sidwell's hand and having a brief chat with him last St George's Day. An absolute gentleman. Thank you so much for all that you do.

[craigtimmis]

Much needed, much to be said, much to be valued, lest we forget our values. (thanks for correction!)

[wakeupuk]

EXCELLENT !! It grabbed me, right at the very start, because after retiring over a period of three years making use of a backpack and BnBs, I set off to visit the major cities of Europe, of the countries I had travelled and worked in, thus knowing the people of Europe. What hit me and I have to say I felt quite emotional because 'every' shot you had of Rome, Paris, Berlin, London, Barcelona etc - I have visited and spent a good time visiting those sites shown. Having worked and taught many Europeans, the overall effect was to see those opening shots was to 'encompass' me right to my very core, what the West meant to me. The quality, content and range was easily on par with great documentaries I grew up watching the BBC (before becoming traitors). Comments given by your invited speakers were right on the mark. I have to admit that what I see every day on the news and in my time as a teacher (from industry) 1980/90s, who was defeated by left-wing teachers and their take-over of education with political correctness, causing me to leave a job I loved and was good at, I know very well the taste of defeat and what is coming, i.e. a Woke takeover - I am often pessimistic and greatly depressed what our future is going to be, that hopefully I won't live to see. I know I am not alone within baby boomers circles, but without a doubt this series I believe is going to give a fantastic moral booster for us. Furthermore, I will certainly be watching the rest of the series and recommending it to as many people I as I can

[chrisowen]

A stirring portrayal combining faith, philosophy, and history! Looking forward to the next episode.

[davidalley]

Having spent the better part of the past 10 years studying the West, and sharing many of these authors’ conclusions; I’m thankful this documentary was made. It’s been a long, lonely fight for many of us outside the Intellectually Corrupt Academy.

[garydavidson]

this documentary should have a billion views!

[johnmoran]

I can not get enough of this series. Phenomenal! And I will be using this for my sons curriculum.

[kibvpce]

Sorely needed documentary during the current Western identity crisis.

[arthurchurms]

Thanks to all at New Culture Forum for this first episode of what promises to be a reminder of the inestimable benefits of Western Civilisation. I look forward with eager anticipation to the further episodes. Thank you from Arthur (South Africa)

[paulturner]

Excellent!
"Give me liberty, or give me death"
Immortal poignant words, within which my own internal belief system lives, with gratitude to those who have gone before.

Looking forward to the next part in the series. 🙏❤

[billwatters]

Impressive - I look forward to the remaining episodes. Excellent production details. Many thanks to all involved.

[bestpossibleworld]

I took Western Civ I and II in college. It was informative, enlightening, and enjoyable. At that time, there was absolutely no sense that we shouldn't study these things. So, I am excited about this series. One of the benefits of this kind of series is that we get to look at and hear the great works of the West.