Conversations with Tyler

Ruth Scurr, a historian at Cambridge, is renowned for her biographies of Robespierre and John Aubrey. She shares insights into the intricate art of biography, emphasizing the need for resonance over a mere chronological approach. Scurr discusses her latest work on Napoleon, framed through his gardens—revealing unexpected dimensions of his life. The conversation touches on Danton's role in the French Revolution, the significance of gender in Enlightenment thought, and why Cambridge trumps Oxford as a student hub.

David Rubenstein, co-founder of The Carlyle Group and a notable philanthropist, shares his insights on private equity, discussing the enduring '2 and 20' fee structure and why he passed on a young Mark Zuckerberg. He evaluates the challenges of modern philanthropy, contemplating a $200 million donation to revitalize Baltimore. Rubenstein also highlights the necessity of art museums amid funding struggles and reflects on the complex interplay of wealth and happiness, urging caution with cryptocurrency as an investment.

David Salle, a visionary painter, sculptor, and filmmaker, discusses the shifting landscape of art appreciation. He argues that personal emotional responses to art should take precedence over literal interpretations. Salle critiques modern art criticism and explores the multifunctionality of art, presenting insights on museum culture and the physical challenges of large-scale painting. He shares his experiences with artistic failures, reflects on the influence of Frank O'Hara, and ponders how intellectual property laws could evolve for artists.

Stanley McChrystal, a retired four-star general and author, shares valuable insights from his extensive military career. He discusses the evolving perception of risk from historical contexts to modern cybersecurity threats. McChrystal emphasizes the complexities of military strategy, particularly regarding China and Taiwan, and critiques current military recruitment practices. He also explores the importance of leadership diversity, critiques military portrayals in film, and highlights ongoing challenges veterans face, advocating for a draft and improved support systems.

Claudia Goldin, a Harvard economics professor and expert on income inequality and gender economics, shares her groundbreaking insights. She discusses the rise of female billionaires in China and contrasts it with the U.S. gender earnings gap, emphasizing the layers of complexity in achieving equity. Goldin explores marriage trends among those without college degrees, the unique wage dynamics for Black women, and the challenges within for-profit education. Her skepticism about happiness research and the evolving role of women in economic history are also compelling highlights.

Amia Srinivasan, a Professor at Oxford and author of 'The Right to Sex', dives into the complexities of feminist philosophy. She questions our societal understanding of consent, particularly in sexual relationships, and the ethical implications of gender norms in chess. Srinivasan critiques the simplistic narratives around gender equality and discusses the importance of context in political discourse. She also explores falling fertility rates and suggests systemic changes to support family dynamics, all while advocating for a fresh look at socialism's role in achieving equity.

Renowned economists David Cutler and Ed Glaeser from Harvard delve into urban health and the challenges cities face in a post-pandemic world. They discuss the surprising correlations between education and healthcare outcomes. The duo examines how remote work reshapes urban landscapes and the aesthetic complexities of city development. They also tackle pressing issues like healthcare reform, suicide rates, and the impact of immigration clusters. Their enlightening conversation ponders the future prospects of cities like Miami and the role of governance in fostering resilience.

Zeynep Tufekci, a Columbia University professor and author, dives deep into technology's impact on society and public health communication. She shares her experience advocating for mask-wearing during the pandemic, highlighting the dysfunctions in scientific authority. Tufekci discusses the media's role in shaping COVID-19 narratives, the challenges of the lab-leak theory, and the effects of internet radicalization. She also explores persuasive techniques for vaccine skeptics, reflecting on cultural phenomena like Game of Thrones and the sociopolitical dynamics in Turkey.

Andrew Sullivan, an influential public intellectual and author, shares his journey after being diagnosed with HIV in 1993, sparking his advocacy for marriage equality. He reflects on the AIDS epidemic's role in shaping his activism and discusses the importance of intellectual courage. Sullivan also examines the unique perspectives he gains as a gay man, his thoughts on the political landscapes in the UK and the US, and his admiration for cultural icons like David Bowie. Plus, he explores the impact of wokeness and the philosophical insights of Oakeshottian conservatism on modern politics.

In a captivating discussion, historian Niall Ferguson, known for his work on the British Empire and his book 'Doom: The Politics of Catastrophe,' shares his unique perspectives on history. He tackles British pessimism's roots, revealing how it manifests in cultural icons like James Bond. Ferguson examines the Glorious Revolution's historical impact on Scotland, critiques modern views on the British Empire, and discusses how religion shapes our perception of societal threats. He also reflects on populism in Latin America and underscores the need for intellectual succession in today's world.