Freakonomics Radio “One Does Not Know Where an Insight Will Come From” | People I (Mostly) Admire: Kerwin Charles
Sep 19, 2020
Kerwin Charles, the Dean of Yale's School of Management, shares his inspiring journey from a small village in Guyana to academia. He discusses the societal impacts of video games on young men's employment, revealing rising idleness among them. The conversation also touches on the challenges African-Americans face in achieving success and how he navigates these complex topics with his children, promoting a deep understanding of their cultural heritage. His unique experiences and insights spark an engaging dialogue on race, identity, and decision-making.
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From Guyana to Yale
- Kerwin Charles grew up in Buxton, Guyana, and developed a fascination with America by reading at the John F. Kennedy Library.
- He came to the U.S. on a scholarship with the intention of returning home, but one opportunity led to another.
Public Speaking Tip
- Slow down your speech when speaking publicly, even slower than you think is necessary.
- Focus on a clear beginning and end, letting your points flow naturally in between.
TB's Decline
- Tuberculosis (TB) was the second leading cause of death in the early 1900s U.S., but deaths plummeted by mid-century, despite the lack of direct medical interventions.
- Kerwin Charles's research suggests that public health interventions, like anti-spitting laws, played a smaller role than previously thought, implying other contributing factors.