Revisionist History: The Tipping Point Revisited with David Remnick

Published on October 17, 2024

In this captivating episode of Revisionist History, Malcolm Gladwell engages in a profound and nostalgic conversation with David Remnick, the esteemed editor of The New Yorker. The episode, titled "The Tipping Point Revisited: Live with David Remnick," delves deep into their intertwined careers, the evolution of Gladwell’s unique narrative voice, and the intricate influences of his personal life on his professional journey.

1. Revisiting the Past: Early Careers and Unconventional Paths

The discussion opens with a reflection on their early days in journalism. Malcolm Gladwell recounts his initial steps at the Washington Post, describing himself as a "cub reporter" with no prior experience in writing newspaper stories (00:14). David Remnick fondly remembers their first meeting nearly four decades ago, highlighting Remnick's stature as a star at the Washington Post and their subsequent friendship.

Notable Quote:

David Remnick [00:28]: "He's one of the people in the world who I admire the most, and our conversation was hilarious and fun."

Gladwell shares an anecdote about his first significant piece at the Washington Post—a lengthy article about Taro, an Akita dog on death row in Bergen County. His unconventional approach of writing an extensive, four-fold-length story to stand out in a newsroom populated by journalism elites exemplifies his early rebellion against conventional reporting.

Notable Quote:

Malcolm Gladwell [04:42]: "It was impressively long."

2. Transition to The New Yorker: Crafting a Unique Voice

Moving forward, Gladwell discusses his transition to The New Yorker and the transformation his writing underwent. Surrounded by legendary reporters, he realized the necessity of distinguishing himself by embracing a "slow and weird" approach. This period was pivotal in shaping his distinctive narrative style, characterized by thoughtful exploration and a penchant for the unconventional.

Notable Quote:

Malcolm Gladwell [07:39]: "So I decided I would be slow and weird."

Remnick probes into when Gladwell's signature approach—combining surprise, social science, and playful ideas—began to crystallize. Gladwell attributes this evolution to his rigorous training at the Washington Post, where discipline honed his ability to tell compelling stories devoid of bad habits.

Notable Quote:

Malcolm Gladwell [20:37]: "But you get pared down. You get rid of all your bad habits and then you have... to develop your own freedom."

3. The Role of Play: Innovating Through Creativity

A significant portion of their conversation centers on the concept of "playing with ideas." Gladwell illustrates this through personal anecdotes, such as his childhood games of Monopoly with his friend Terry Martin. By altering the game's rules to foster creativity and negotiation, Gladwell learned the value of innovation and thinking outside the box—principles that later permeated his journalistic endeavors.

Notable Quote:

Malcolm Gladwell [23:34]: "We would play endless games of Monopoly... and we would create insanely elaborate, massive derivatives."

This playful experimentation laid the groundwork for his later works, where he often revisits and reinterprets familiar concepts through novel lenses, embodying the very essence of Revisionist History.

4. Pivotal Stories: From Ralph Nader to Ron Papille

Gladwell shares intriguing stories that highlight his investigative prowess and commitment to uncovering overlooked truths. One such story involves Leonard Evans, a Scottish safety expert at General Motors, who exposed the unintended dangers of airbags when not used in conjunction with seatbelts. This revelation, which Gladwell never had the chance to publish, remains a poignant example of missed opportunities in journalism.

Notable Quote:

Malcolm Gladwell [29:45]: "And then, so I remember letter, and I get to the New Yorker and I'm filled with shame that I never wrote the story. I would have won the Pulitzer Prize."

Another memorable narrative revolves around Ron Papille, a legendary boardwalk pitchman who revolutionized television infomercials with his Showtime Rotisserie oven. Gladwell emphasizes the importance of portraying subjects with genuine respect and admiration, a lesson reinforced by his editor Henry Finder.

Notable Quote:

Malcolm Gladwell [37:20]: "The subject is the hero. And you have to find your job."

5. Influences of Family: Shaping Professional Identity

Delving into his personal life, Gladwell elaborates on the profound impact his parents had on his worldview and work ethic. His father, a mathematician with a rebellious spirit, exemplified independence and a disregard for conventional approval—traits that Gladwell inherited. Stories of his father's adventures, such as participating in Mennonite barn raisings in rural Canada, underscore the values of humility, resilience, and unorthodox problem-solving.

Notable Quote:

Malcolm Gladwell [50:33]: "He was the furthest thing from obnoxious, an incredibly gracious man... he just did what he wanted."

Gladwell also touches upon his mother's influence, highlighting her resilience and ability to navigate predominantly white communities with grace and assertiveness, further shaping his approach to storytelling and character portrayal.

6. Evolution of Storytelling: Embracing Podcasting

The conversation shifts to Gladwell's foray into podcasting, a medium he finds liberating and more suited to his storytelling style. He explains how audio allows for a more playful and expressive narrative, enabling listeners to engage with characters in a way that written words cannot fully capture.

Notable Quote:

Malcolm Gladwell [43:44]: "I can adopt a tone of voice that says, we're kids around here. We're having fun. We're playing with ideas."

He references his upcoming podcast project, "Georgetown Massacre," describing it as his magnum opus that encapsulates his growth as a storyteller. The ability to convey emotional depth and character nuances through voice-overcome the limitations of print, making podcasting a natural extension of his narrative prowess.

7. Personal Reflections: Balancing Success and Passion

Towards the end of the episode, Gladwell reflects on his personal life, including fatherhood and rekindling his passion for running. He shares insights into his averaged approach to sports, advocating for the joy of being "mediocre" rather than striving for unattainable athletic excellence—a perspective influenced by stress and burnout from his youth sports experiences.

Notable Quote:

Malcolm Gladwell [62:48]: "You actually, you want to be mediocre. You don't want to be good... we shouldn't be telling people to pursue that kind of athletic excellence."

This philosophical stance underscores his broader critique of societal pressures and the importance of maintaining passion and joy in one's pursuits.

8. Final Thoughts: Legacy and Ongoing Projects

As the conversation winds down, both hosts express mutual respect and reflect on their enduring friendship. Gladwell hints at future projects, emphasizing the continuous evolution of his storytelling techniques and the enduring relevance of revisiting and reinterpreting past narratives.

Notable Quote:

Malcolm Gladwell [40:10]: "I've been working on this rant... it's my Beethoven's fifth. It is my White Album. It is my... everything else I have done."

Conclusion

This episode of Revisionist History not only revisits the seminal concepts from Gladwell's earlier works but also provides a candid exploration of his personal and professional growth. Through engaging dialogues and evocative anecdotes, Gladwell and Remnick illuminate the intricate tapestry of influences, challenges, and moments that have defined Gladwell's unique voice in the realms of journalism and storytelling. For listeners unfamiliar with their history, the episode serves as an insightful primer into the forces shaping one of contemporary journalism's most distinctive voices.

Notable Quote:

David Remnick [60:53]: "Malcolm Gladwell, thank you for your work and your friendship. I miss you."

This summary captures the essence of Malcolm Gladwell's in-depth conversation with David Remnick, highlighting their shared history, professional insights, and the personal narratives that have influenced Gladwell's unique approach to storytelling.