45. How Much Better Do You Really Want to Be?

In this episode of "No Stupid Questions," Angela Duckworth and Stephen Dubner explore the complexities of relative versus absolute judgments, particularly in the context of talent and success. They discuss whether it's better to be a big fish in a small pond or a smaller fish in a larger one, delving into the human tendency to compare ourselves to others and the impact of our environment on self-perception. The conversation touches on the "big fish, little pond" effect, relative deprivation, and whether virtues like kindness are subject to the same comparative judgments as measurable traits. They also analyze the use of filler words in speech, their function, and how they might affect perceptions of intelligence and authenticity, with a brief detour into regional accents and speech patterns.