Yuri Vyazemsky, the host of the “Clever People” show, visited Samara for the qualifying stage of the All-Russian television humanitarian Olympiad and shared his views on education, the show, and regional travel. He emphasized the importance of identifying and developing a young person’s true talents, not just focusing on their interests.

Vyazemsky noted changes in schoolchildren over the 30 years of hosting “Clever People,” attributing them to the deterioration of the education system and the influence of technology, particularly the internet. He acknowledged the internet’s benefits but cautioned against addiction, citing an extreme example of pilots unable to land a plane due to autopilot failure. While he doesn’t personally use social networks, his editor-in-chief manages his online presence.

Regarding parental involvement, Vyazemsky prefers to minimize contact, believing parents have already fulfilled their role in raising the child. He recounted an incident where children requested the absence of parents during filming, valuing their own ideas and independence. He also spoke about regional differences among students, noting Tatarstan’s high self-regard due to their strong education and the strength of teams from the Russian north, where traditional teaching methods have persisted.

Vyazemsky creates the questions for “Clever People” himself and admitted to occasional mistakes. He stressed the importance of supporting gifted children in the regions but highlighted the shortage of qualified teachers as a major problem. He also mentioned instances where participants experienced “dizziness from success,” particularly concerning language skills, which are crucial for MGIMO students.

During his travels, Vyazemsky enjoys driving to witness the diverse landscapes and understand regional products like Tambov potatoes. He travels to various regions for the show and emphasized the challenges of balancing travel with his writing and teaching responsibilities.