Maria Konnikova, Revisionist History’s ombudsman—who's also an author, psychologist and professional poker player—is back for another round. This time she reads letters from the audience on the power of debate, and whether or not certain four letter words belong in Pushkin’s podcasts. Maria and Malcolm also look at the Columbia cheating scandal from a different angle, and hand out one more sparkling Pushkin Prize.
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Explicit content warning
06/22/23 • 42 min
3 Listeners
Revisionist History - Feeling A Bit Attacked with Maria Konnikova
Transcript Summary
In this captivating episode titled "Feeling A Bit Attacked with Maria Konnikova," the hosts delve into various thought-provoking topics. They begin by proposing a writing rule to never use the word "I" in English class, emphasizing precise language and sharing an email criticizing the use of swear words. They defend profanity, drawing inspiration from Russian literature and highlighting the power of carefully chosen words. The discussion then shifts to the censorship of swear words, exploring its impact on expression and ideas. The hosts also touch upon upcoming podcast seasons and episodes, including Revisionist History's new series on guns and violence, the true crime podcast Lost Hills focusing on surfer-con man Micky Dora, and the Pushkin Prize for deceptive self-promotion. They engage in a compelling conversation with Marya Konakova about the importance of listening in debates, giving marginalized individuals a voice, and honing valuable skills. The episode takes an introspective turn as one speaker confesses to cheating in a road race, raising questions about ethics and fairness. Furthermore, they highlight Columbia University's manipulation of data to improve their rankings, shedding light on the need to expose anomalous behavior by elite institutions. The hosts draw intriguing parallels between Columbia's cheating and Lance Armstrong's mindset, discussing the significance of reputation and status. With its engaging discussions, diverse range of topics, and thought-provoking insights, this episode offers an enthralling listening experience for curious minds.
Transcript
Pushkin, Hey, Revisionist History listeners, Malcolm here. Before we get started, I wanted to update you on a few things. First thing, this August twenty fourth, the Revisionist History season begins in earnest, eight old school episodes in a row, the little narrative jewel boxes you've come to love. We've been feeding you a little bits and pieces so far this season, but this is the main event. The heart of it is a six part series on guns and vio
Feeling A Bit Attacked with Maria Konnikova Top Questions Answered
What are carbon fiber plate running shoes?
Carbon fiber plate running shoes are athletic footwear that feature a carbon fiber plate embedded in the midsole. This plate is designed to provide energy return and enhance running performance.
What is the ICU Staffing Ratio Award?
The ICU Staffing Ratio Award is an award given to the college with the highest ratio of administrators to students. It highlights the imbalance between administrators and students in colleges.
Which college had the highest ICU staffing ratio?
Yale University had the highest ICU staffing ratio with 0.36 administrators per student.
Why is the use of precise language important in communication?
The use of precise language promotes clear communication and ensures that ideas are effectively conveyed without ambiguity.
Who was Pushkin?
Pushkin refers to Alexander Pushkin, a renowned Russian poet and writer considered the founder of modern Russian literature.
Why did Vladimir Putin ban certain swear words in Russian cultural and artistic expression?
Vladimir Putin banned certain swear words as a form of censorship, aiming to regulate and control cultural and artistic expression in Russia.
When does the new season of Revisionist History begin?
The new season of Revisionist History begins on August 24th with a six-part series on guns and violence.
What is the Pushkin Prize?
The Pushkin Prize is an award given to Columbia University, which manipulated data to improve its ranking on the US News rankings. The manipulation was exposed by a professor named Michael Thaddius.
What were the metrics manipulated by Columbia University to improve their ranking?
Columbia University may have manipulated three obscure metrics to improve their ranking: class sizes under twenty students, class sizes over fifty students, and the percentage of full-time faculty.
Why is the scandal surrounding Columbia University's cheating significant?
The scandal surrounding Columbia University's cheating is significant because it involves a prestigious educational institution. It highlights the extent to which cheating can occur even in esteemed organizations.
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