In this book, Tyler Cowen and Daniel Gross delve into the art and science of finding top talent. They cover various scientific research areas relevant to talent search, including how to conduct effective interviews, evaluate intelligence and personality traits, assess talent in online interactions, and identify undervalued talent such as women and individuals with disabilities. The authors provide practical advice and unique interview questions to help startups and organizations find and retain A-level talent.
In 'The Case Against Education,' Bryan Caplan argues that a significant portion of the benefits of education are not due to the acquisition of skills or knowledge, but rather to signalling preexisting abilities. He contends that this signalling effect is prevalent across all levels of education, from elementary school to graduate programs. Caplan supports his argument with extensive data, tables, and graphs, as well as personal anecdotes and observations. He also proposes alternative educational approaches, such as technical and vocational training, which he believes are more effective in improving worker productivity. The book is known for its provocative and well-argued critique of the current education system, suggesting reforms like reduced school time and relaxed child labor laws[1][3][4].
It was my great pleasure to speak once again to Tyler Cowen. His most recent book is Talent, How to Find Energizers, Creatives, and Winners Across the World.
We discuss:
- how sex is more pessimistic than he is,
- why he expects society to collapse permanently,
- why humility, stimulants, & intelligence are overrated,
- how he identifies talent, deceit, & ambition,
- & much much much more!
Watch on YouTube. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any other podcast platform. Read the full transcript here.
Follow me on Twitter for updates on future episodes.
You may also enjoy my interviews of Bryan Caplan (about mental illness, discrimination, and poverty), David Deutsch (about AI and the problems with America’s constitution), and Steve Hsu (about intelligence and embryo selection).
Timestamps
(0:00) -Did Caplan Change On Education?
(1:17) - Travel vs. History
(3:10) - Do Institutions Become Left Wing Over Time?
(6:02) - What Does Talent Correlate With?
(13:00) - Humility, Mental Illness, Caffeine, and Suits
(19:20) - How does Education affect Talent?
(24:34) - Scouting Talent
(33:39) - Money, Deceit, and Emergent Ventures
(37:16) - Building Writing Stamina
(39:41) - When Does Intelligence Start to Matter?
(43:51) - Spotting Talent (Counter)signals
(53:30) - Will Reading Cowen’s Book Help You Win Emergent Ventures?
(1:02:15) - Existential risks and the Longterm
(1:10:41) - Cultivating Young Talent
(1:16:58) - The Lifespans of Public Intellectuals
(1:24:36) - Is Stagnation Inevitable?
(1:30:30) - What are Podcasts for?
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