Hasan Minhaj Doesn't Know I Made Malcolm Gladwell Cry
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Dec 17, 2025 
Malcolm Gladwell, an acclaimed author and journalist known for his insightful nonficiton, joins Hasan to dive into the world of storytelling through writing and podcasting. They discuss the engaging nature of his books and how they democratize complex ideas. Gladwell critically examines lethal injection and questions its humanity, shedding light on the emotional stories behind capital punishment. He also reflects on his past advocacy for broken windows policing, emphasizing the importance of admitting mistakes and evolving perspectives.
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Books As Playgrounds For Ideas
- Malcolm Gladwell's books let nonacademics 'play' with big ideas they wouldn't otherwise encounter.
- He arranges accessible narratives so readers can try ideas on and then explore further on their own.
Pick Titles With Tension
- Choose titles that pair two opposing words to create immediate tension and stakes.
- Strong titles compress a book's promise into a memorable oxymoron or contrast.
Admit Mistakes To Keep Credibility
- Lead with intellectual humility: say 'I don't know' and change positions when evidence changes.
- Owning mistakes enhances credibility more than stubbornly repeating past claims.