Uploaded July 2023 | Updated September 2026, 6 days ago
Longtime New Yorker writer Adam Gopnik investigates a foundational human question: How do we learn—and master—a new skill? In his newest book, The Real Work, Gopnik apprenticed as an artist, a dancer, a boxer, and even a driving instructor to understand the process of mastering new skills, how it happens, and if anyone can do it. Join CHF as we sit down with this brilliant writer, for a conversation that seeks to answer the ultimate question about why and how we humans relentlessly seek to better ourselves. Gopnik is joined in conversation by Gloria Groom, chair of Painting and Sculpture of Europe and David and Mary Winton Green Curator at the Art Institute of Chicago.
This annual lecture recognizes the significant contributions to the Chicago Humanities Festival made by its founder and chairman emeritus Richard J. Franke.
This program is generously underwritten by Paula R. Kahn.
Donate now to support programs like this: chicagohumanities.org/donate
Explore upcoming events: chicagohumanities.org
Connect on Twitter: twitter.com/ChiHumanities
Connect on Facebook: facebook.com/chicagohumanities
Connect on Instagram: instagram.com/chihumanities
Longtime New Yorker writer Adam Gopnik investigates a foundational human question: How do we learn—and master—a new skill? In his newest book, The Real Work, Gopnik apprenticed as an artist, a dancer, a boxer, and even a driving instructor to understand the process of mastering new skills, how it happens, and if anyone can do it. Join CHF as we sit down with this brilliant writer, for a conversation that seeks to answer the ultimate question about why and how we humans relentlessly seek to better ourselves. Gopnik is joined in conversation by Gloria Groom, chair of Painting and Sculpture of Europe and David and Mary Winton Green Curator at the Art Institute of Chicago.
This annual lecture recognizes the significant contributions to the Chicago Humanities Festival made by its founder and chairman emeritus Richard J. Franke.
This program is generously underwritten by Paula R. Kahn.
Donate now to support programs like this: chicagohumanities.org/donate
Explore upcoming events: chicagohumanities.org
Connect on Twitter: twitter.com/ChiHumanities
Connect on Facebook: facebook.com/chicagohumanities
Connect on Instagram: instagram.com/chihumanities
![Nyle DiMarco: Deaf Utopia [CC]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/HZEjpomDlQI/mqdefault.jpg "Nyle DiMarco: Deaf Utopia [CC]
America’s Next Top Model and Dancing with the Stars champion Nyle DiMarco knows “just how damn cool it is to be Deaf.” DiMarco’s career (which also includes executive producing the reality show Deaf U and Academy-award nominated documentary Audible) has been dedicated to celebrating what makes Deaf culture so unique and beautiful. Join DiMarco at CHF for a conversation about his new book Deaf Utopia: A Memoir—and a Love Letter to a Way of Life with Chicago Today host Matthew Rodrigues.
Donate now to support programs like this: https://www.chicagohumanities.org/donate/
Explore upcoming events: https://www.chicagohumanities.org/
Connect on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/ChiHumanities
Connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chicagohumanities/
Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chihumanities/")
