Freakonomics Radio

EXTRA: Why Quitting Is Usually Worth It

65 snips
Aug 26, 2024
David Duchovny, the talented actor known for his iconic role in The X-Files and as a creative podcast host, dives deep into the themes of failure and quitting. He and Stephen Dubner discuss how quitting can often lead to personal growth and better opportunities, challenging the stigma attached to giving up. They reveal the value of lifelong learning, share personal stories of failure, and explore how childhood experiences shape our identities. It's a refreshing take on the positives of failure in achieving success and creativity.
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ANECDOTE

Dubner's Ph.D. Journey

  • Stephen Dubner quit his Ph.D. program at Yale in the mid-80s.
  • He transitioned into acting, which caused him to fade away from his studies.
ANECDOTE

Family and Original Sin

  • Dubner's parents, originally Jewish, converted to devout Catholicism during World War II.
  • This influenced Dubner's early views on failure, particularly the concept of original sin.
ANECDOTE

Organ Performance Failure

  • As a child, Dubner failed publicly during a high school graduation ceremony by messing up the organ performance.
  • This taught him the importance of thorough preparation.
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