These were just some of the views of Dr Jonathan Miller, who discussed as many subjects as he could cram into his allotted hour-and-a-half last night. And that was quite a few. As one of the nation's great intellectuals, he's got a lot to talk about.

While most of us would be pleased to achieve a degree of success in one job, Dr Miller has made a career out of excelling at several professions.

Scientist, medical consultant, theatre and opera director, TV presenter, film-maker, writer and sculptor – they'd all appear on his CV, were he ever to need one.

Dr Miller became involved in the arts when he famously teamed up with Peter Cook, Dudley Moore and Alan Bennett while still at university, and the foursome was largely credited with creating Sixties satire.

There's no doubting he's clever, but there's nothing pompous or arrogant about Sir Jonathan Miller – to give him his full title.

Granted, the 74-year-old's not afraid to express his sometimes extreme opinions, and he clearly delights in provoking a little controversy. But it's all done with the best of intentions.

He's passionate about human beings and about observing our behaviour. And he enjoys discussing ideas and debating issues.