This is a collection of twelve interviews with well-known Australians who, in conversation with Radio National's Peter Thompson, reflect on their life's journeys and the struggles and challenges that have made them wiser people.
Wisdom is often hard won. In these candid and extended discussions, Peter Thompson draws out the private self behind the public facade to shed light on how a number of prominent people have achieved so much - the hurdles they have faced, the strengths they have had to draw on and the lessons they have learned through life.
Each person talks about contemporary Australia and their hopes for the future - sometimes presenting quite controversial views.
Interviewees include Frank Brennan, Sue Nattrass, Ian Sinclair, Joan Kirner, Sir Gustav Nossel, Fiona Stanley, Peter Yu, Frank Fenner, Wendy Craik, Peter O'Connor, Dexter Dunphy, Nigel Westlake.
