Conversations with Tyler Masha Gessen on the Ins and Outs of Russia
Aug 14, 2019
Masha Gessen, a renowned journalist and author specializing in Russian society, discusses the intricate layers of their homeland. They explore the excellence of Soviet mathematics and its cultural significance. Gessen shares personal encounters with Putin and examines the complexities of Russian friendships and identity. They also tackle the intense political landscape, touching on LGBT rights and Garry Kasparov's political failures. Plus, insights into the cultural nuances of gender roles and a touch of dining recommendations on Russian cuisine in NYC.
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Soviet Math
- Soviet mathematics excelled due to the arms race and a focused recruitment effort.
- This system prioritized intellectualism and created specialized schools and privileged conditions for mathematicians.
Dissidents and Logic
- Many Soviet dissidents came from math and physics backgrounds.
- Gessen hypothesizes that their logical minds struggled with the Soviet system's doublethink.
Perelman's Proof
- Mathematician Grigori Perelman published his Poincaré conjecture proof online with little explanation.
- He then declined a million-dollar prize and retreated from public life.