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Janne Teller

Former UN economist, now novelist and essayist; author of Come, Nothing, and Odin's Island.

“Everything begins only to end. The moment you were born you began to die. That's how it is with everything.”

Janne Teller is a celebrated novelist and essayist, having previously worked as a macroeconomist for the United Nations and the European Union. Despite being initially banned, her novel Nothing has won numerous awards in various languages. Teller’s work is often aimed at young adults and belongs to the existentialist tradition. As well as dealing with contemporary philosophical issues, her work covers political themes from the challenges of refugees to the dangers of mass surveillance.

Her other novels include Odin's Island, a modern Nordic saga of politics, history, and religion; Europa, All that you Lack, which explores history in war and love, and Come, an existential novel about ethics in art and modern life.

Teller has received many literary awards, including the Drassow’s Prize for literary works towards peace and human understanding, and her work has been translated into over 25 languages. Before she began writing full-time, Janne studied macroeconomics and worked as a conflict advisor for the EU and UN, mostly in Africa.

“A beautifully poetic writer.” - The Telegraph

Photo of Janne Teller

“Everything begins only to end. The moment you were born you began to die. That's how it is with everything.”

Janne Teller is a celebrated novelist and essayist, having previously worked as a macroeconomist for the United Nations and the European Union. Despite being initially banned, her novel Nothing has won numerous awards in various languages. Teller’s work is often aimed at young adults and belongs to the existentialist tradition. As well as dealing with contemporary philosophical issues, her work covers political themes from the challenges of refugees to the dangers of mass surveillance.

Her other novels include Odin's Island, a modern Nordic saga of politics, history, and religion; Europa, All that you Lack, which explores history in war and love, and Come, an existential novel about ethics in art and modern life.

Teller has received many literary awards, including the Drassow’s Prize for literary works towards peace and human understanding, and her work has been translated into over 25 languages. Before she began writing full-time, Janne studied macroeconomics and worked as a conflict advisor for the EU and UN, mostly in Africa.

“A beautifully poetic writer.” - The Telegraph

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Does fearing death prevent us from fully living?

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Is philosophy the disinterested pursuit of truth?

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Are aesthetic choices always tyrannical?

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Are we searching for joy in the wrong places?

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The US dollar and the future of the world

Will the dollar remain the dominant currency?

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Are today's artists monuments to status?

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Belief, value and superstition

Are we entering a new age of belief?

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Has independence undermined community?

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Technology and freedom

Should we socialise big tech?

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Popularity and prejudice

How do we measure artistic greatness?

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Has poetry lost its vision?

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Can art uncover the essence of the world?

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The global population crisis

Do we need more people?

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