The Intelligence from The Economist
Minds blown: are we getting dumber?
Dec 13, 2024
Join Anne Rowe, Obituaries editor, and Duncan Weldon, Economics correspondent, as they tackle a striking revelation: adults are performing worse in literacy and numeracy tests than average ten-year-olds! They discuss the implications of this alarming trend and how it reflects on educational systems. The conversation takes a detour into the precarious state of Russia's economy, balancing challenges like high interest rates and reliance on China. Plus, a light-hearted quiz tests adult knowledge against child-level questions, leaving listeners both puzzled and amused!
21:52
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Quick takeaways
- Recent studies indicate that many adults perform at a literacy and numeracy level comparable to a ten-year-old, reflecting declining cognitive abilities.
- Shalom Nagar's journey of reconciling his traumatic experience after executing Eichmann highlights the complex interplay of justice and personal faith.
Deep dives
The Tipping Point of the Russian Economy
The Russian economy is facing a critical juncture, marked by soaring interest rates that have recently reached an unprecedented 21%. While historically, wartime economies can benefit from increased government spending on defense, the current economic situation in Russia suggests underlying troubles ahead. Despite experiencing some growth since the invasion of Ukraine, which saw a 3.6% increase last year, the sustainability of this growth is being challenged by high inflation and a depreciating ruble. Analysts warn that the government's heavy defense spending, which constitutes about 8% of GDP, is becoming increasingly difficult to finance amid mounting economic pressure.
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