A new show from Pushkin Industries: Cautionary Tales. We tell our children unsettling fairy tales to teach them valuable life lessons, but these Cautionary Tales are for the education of the grown ups – and they are all true. Tim Harford (Financial Times, BBC, author of “Messy” and “The Undercover Economist”) brings you stories of awful human error, tragic catastrophes, daring heists and hilarious fiascos. They'll delight you, scare you, but also make you wiser. Featuring original music and an award-winning cast including Alan Cumming and Archie Panjabi (The Good Wife), Toby Stephens (Die Another Day), Russell Tovey (Quantico) – and Malcolm Gladwell.
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11/15/19 • 36 min
5 Listeners
Against the Rules with Michael Lewis - Against the Rules Presents: Cautionary Tales
Transcript Summary
In this episode titled "Against the Rules Presents: Cautionary Tales," Michael Lewis delves into the significance of coaches in American society in his podcast's upcoming second season. Lewis also recommends another podcast by Tim Harford called "Cautionary Tales," which explores the lessons we can learn from mistakes and disasters. Harford, known for his scientific approach to clear thinking, shares a compelling cautionary tale about the Torrey Canyon, an oil tanker that ran aground off the English coast due to plan continuation bias. Under pressure to reach harbor in time, Captain Rugiati ignored warning signs, failed to consider alternative routes, and continued towards danger. The catastrophic accident resulted in an extensive oil spill, causing significant environmental damage. Captain Rugiati took responsibility and was profoundly impacted by the incident. This thought-provoking episode prompts listeners to contemplate the consequences of ignoring crucial information and the importance of learning from other people's mistakes.
Transcript
Pushkin. This thing still on. Michael Lewis here. Guess what. I'm working on a second season of Against the Rules. I had so much fun doing season one that I decided to keep going. I'm back in the field with my producers, talking to people and poking around. The next season is going to be about coaches and why the role of coach has expanded so far beyond sports in American life. If everybody hates the ref, everyone seems to love the coach these da
Against the Rules Presents: Cautionary Tales Top Questions Answered
What critical mistakes did Captain Rugiati make while navigating the ship?
Captain Rugiati made several critical mistakes, including not taking a detour that would have saved time, incorrect calculation of the ship's position, and not communicating his plan to the crew.
What were the consequences of Captain Rugiati's mistakes?
The ship ultimately crashed into rocks, causing an environmental catastrophe with a massive oil spill.
Why didn't Captain Rugiati make a detour that could have saved time?
Captain Rugiati didn't take a detour because he failed to pause and reflect on the situation.
Who calculated the ship's position incorrectly?
An inexperienced officer calculated the ship's position incorrectly.
Why didn't the inexperienced officer speak up about the incorrect calculation?
The episode doesn't specify why the officer didn't speak up about the wrong calculation.
What was the cause of the ship's steering disconnection?
The ship's steering was disconnected, and Captain Rugiati realized this too late. The episode doesn't elaborate on the cause.
What could have saved the ship from disaster?
Reconnecting the steering lever within thirty seconds could have potentially saved the ship.
Why didn't Captain Rugiati sail again after the accident?
Despite receiving sympathy from around the world, Captain Rugiati never sailed again. The episode doesn't provide the exact reason.
What is the concept of "plan continuation bias" mentioned in the episode?
"Plan continuation bias" or "get their Itis" refers to the tendency to stick to a plan even when circumstances suggest otherwise.
What is Michael Lewis' upcoming project after "Against the Rules"?
Michael Lewis is working on a second season of Against the Rules, which will focus on coaches and their expanded role beyond sports.
What is Tim Harford's new show called?
Tim Harford's new show is called "Cautionary Tales," where he shares stories about other people's mistakes and what can be learned from them.
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