Podcast
Behind the Bastards
It was mentioned in the context of Trofim Lysenko's relationship with Stalin, and the book provided insight into how Lysenko may have convinced him to support his ideas through charm and manipulation.
Although a mediocrity in scientific questions, Lysenko was highly talented in the art of leading an ideological fight and of surviving in the midst of Stalinist terror. And airingly dividing the boss'...
— Episode: Part One: The Russian Scientist Who Help...
Episode: Part One: The Russian Scientist Who Helped Kill 30...
It was mentioned in the context of Trofim Lysenko's relationship with Stalin, and the book provided insight into how Lysenko may have convinced him to support his ideas through charm and manipulation.
Although a mediocrity in scientific questions, Lysenko was highly talented in the art of leading an ideological fight and of surviving in the midst of Stalinist terror. And airingly dividing the boss's wishes and anxieties, Lysenko came to the fore thanks to his considerable natural talents. He fought for position to top the pyramid of power and won it not by chance or by a whim of Stalin's but by his skill in waging the kind of battle that was necessary. Outfoxed even Stalin and was able to pull the wool over his eyes even when other party leaders already had seen through Lysenko thanks to his courteous intuition and his shrewdness thanks to his ability to divine Stalin's secret designs he always struck the right chord with the great Helmsman never arousing his irritation.