Adam Gopnik discusses the advantages of being a short man, specifically in the realm of marriage and stability. He cites a sociological paper from New York University that suggests short men make more stable marriages across various circumstances. Gopnik humorously proposes that the reason behind this stability is desperation: short men recognize the world they live in, and any advantage they gain, they wish to keep. This principle of making the most out of what one has is compared to resource-poor countries that often outperform those abundant in resources due to their necessity-driven ingenuity.
Key Points:
- A sociological study from New York University suggests that short men make better, more stable husbands and often remain happily married.
- Adam Gopnik humorously attributes this marital stability to the “desperation” of short men, arguing they value their relationships more due to societal challenges they face.
- The “Napoleonic complex” is discussed, asserting that the ambition and drive of short men aren’t necessarily about proving themselves but about prevailing in a world that often overlooks them.
- Gopnik compares the merits of short men to countries with limited resources, suggesting that both utilize their limited assets to the fullest, leading to unexpected successes.
- Historical and cultural examples, such as Napoleon and Renaissance Florence, are used to underline the theme of achieving greatness against the odds.
