Revisionist History The Mystery of Mastery with Adam Gopnik
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May 18, 2023 
In a lively discussion, Adam Gopnik, a Staff writer for The New Yorker known for his essays and books, shares insights from his latest work, exploring the concept of mastery. He vividly illustrates lessons from various masters, including chefs debating seasonality and the philosophical nuances of magic. The conversation touches on personal anecdotes about familial relationships and the emotional journey of self-discovery. Gopnik emphasizes that mastery is not just about skill but a deeper engagement with creativity across disciplines.
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Cats vs. Dogs Debate
- Adam Gopnik recalls a past debate with Malcolm Gladwell where he argued cats were superior to dogs.
- He jokingly claimed all cats were Republican, Goyesha, while dogs were Democrat, Jewish, surprisingly winning the debate in Manhattan.
Gopnik's Writing Approach
- Gladwell theorizes Gopnik's writing focuses on finding fascinating individuals first, then develops theories to explain his interest.
- Gladwell contrasts this with his own approach, starting with an idea and finding individuals to support it.
Talk of the Town Transformation
- Gopnik describes a transformative experience writing for The New Yorker's Talk of the Town section.
- He shifted from academic, argumentative writing to descriptive prose using "ands" instead of "buts" to illuminate subjects.
