Yuri Vyazemsky, host of “Clever People and Clever Girls,” shared his views on the education system, the impact of the internet, and the experiences of students on his show. In an interview conducted during the qualifying stage of the All-Russian television humanitarian Olympiad “Clever People and Clever Girls” in Samara, Vyazemsky spoke about changes in schoolchildren over the past 30 years, the role of the internet, and his interactions with students.

Vyazemsky noted a decline in the education system and the challenges posed by artificial intelligence. While acknowledging the internet’s benefits in accessing information, he cautioned against addiction, citing an example of a plane crash caused by pilot reliance on autopilot. He also expressed his preference for direct interaction with students rather than their parents, recalling an instance where students requested their parents’ absence during filming.

As a professor at MGIMO, Vyazemsky assessed the preparation of incoming students, noting a range of abilities and knowledge levels. He emphasized the importance of familiarizing oneself with literary titans like Dante, Shakespeare, Cervantes, Goethe, Dostoevsky, Tolstoy, and Chekhov, and prioritizing personal interest in selecting reading material.

Reflecting on his travels to various regions for the show, Vyazemsky mentioned Tatarstan’s high self-regard due to its strong education system and praised the well-preserved teaching methods in the Russian north. He also commented on the talent and preparedness of students in Samara.

Regarding the show itself, Vyazemsky revealed that he personally writes the questions, sometimes making mistakes. He stressed the importance of supporting gifted children but emphasized the need for qualified teachers and the identification of each individual’s unique talents. He also recounted instances of former participants experiencing “dizziness from success,” leading to academic setbacks.

Finally, Vyazemsky shared his reluctance to participate in KVN following Alexander Maslyakov’s departure but expressed openness to acting in a small movie role, particularly if offered the part of Vyazemsky in a film about Ivan the Terrible.