As college kids move back to campus, one Ivy League insider says that elite universities aren’t producing independent thinkers, but high functioning sheep. On today’s show: the downside of being among the best and the brightest. Then, we’ll find out what happens when an innocent college prank turns into a full-blown Wikipedia hoax five years later. Plus, a look at some of the best books coming out this month.
Listen to the full show and Read more for individual segments.
Excellent Sheep
Former Yale professor William Deresiewcz argues that elite universities aren’t producing independent critical thinkers, but herds of like-minded graduates opting for predictable, profitable career paths. We talk about his new book: Excellent Sheep: The Miseducation of the American Elite & the Way to a Meaningful Life.
Following in Darwin's Footsteps
- Producer Veronique LaCapra brings us the story of two women who are forging a new path in the Galapagos Islands. Listen to the story here.
- This story was produced for the PRX STEM Story Project with support from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.
September Reading List
- Independent bookseller at Community Bookstore in Brooklyn, Michele Filgate, shares her list for the upcoming fall reading season.
- You can find a full list of her picks, here.
Amelia Bedelia, Wikipedia Hoax?
- E.J. Dickson shares her story about the time she made up some facts about Amelia Bedelia that stayed on Wikipedia for five years. Here's a link to E.J.'s article, "I Accidentally Started a Wikipedia Hoax."
Tailgating the One Direction Concert
- Dad of the year, Kevin Flynn, took his daughter to the One Direction concert, but his greatest act of kindness was staying in the parking lot with the rest of the parents.
- You can listen to, and read the whole story, here.
Do You Remember Your First Concert?
- We do. This little montage provides some rather revealing insight into the musical tastes of public radio employees. Do you remember your first? Head over to our Facebook page and dish, it's only fair.
