Revisionist History Malcolm Gladwell and Adam Grant
May 28, 2021
Adam Grant, an organizational psychologist at Wharton and host of 'Taken for Granted,' joins Malcolm Gladwell for an engaging discussion. They dive into the complexities of the Bomber Mafia, examining the ethical dilemmas that come with technological innovations in warfare. The two also explore the necessity of rethinking beliefs and the role of obsession in achieving balance. With personal anecdotes and collaborative insights, they highlight the importance of adaptability and the pursuit of passion in both personal and professional contexts.
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Gladwell's Wartime Childhood Stories
- Malcolm Gladwell's father grew up in Kent, England, during World War II, experiencing bombing raids.
- These childhood stories sparked Gladwell's interest in the era and its dramatic events.
The Moral Dilemma of the Bomber Mafia
- The Bomber Mafia's moral dilemma was trying to make warfare less deadly through technology, yet still causing harm.
- Gladwell questions if moral considerations are truly compatible with technological obsessions in warfare.
Limited Options in War
- Gladwell discusses the limited options available to military leaders like LeMay and Hansel in WWII's Pacific theater.
- He highlights the difficult choices they faced, including napalming Japanese cities or using atomic bombs.
