Gary Saul Morson

Gary Saul Morson, a noted literary critic, and Morton Schapiro, a leading economist, discuss how studying literature can enhance economic models, predictions, and policies. They explore the benefits of interdisciplinary research and emphasize the importance of understanding different disciplines. The podcast also touches on funding humanities, the evolution of economics, and the development of empathy through literature.

In this enlightening discussion, Gary Saul Morson, an esteemed professor of Russian literature, dives into Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn's provocative 1978 Harvard address. He unpacks its critiques of legalism and elite conformity, emphasizing how these hinder true moral engagement. Morson explores Solzhenitsyn's legacy, where courage in the face of oppression is central, and highlights the risks of groupthink in modern journalism. This conversation sheds light on the importance of seeking genuine truths amid cultural complacency.