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Roald Dahl: Genius and Bigot

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May 7, 2026

Guest

Eli Lake

Eli Lake, journalist and commentator on history and politics, weighs in on artistic genius tangled with moral failings. He discusses Roald Dahl’s beloved stories and antisemitism. Conversations include Voltaire, Mailer, T.S. Eliot, Ezra Pound, Michael Jackson, and how to keep great work available while teaching the truth about creators.

49:18

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INSIGHT

Separate Art From The Artist

Art can be separated from an artist's moral flaws because great work stands on its own and teaches independent truths.
Eli Lake argues many canonical geniuses held odious views but their contributions remain instructive when truthfully contextualized.

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ANECDOTE

Gauguin Example Used To Test Limits

Paul Gauguin's documented sexual abuse of adolescent Tahitian girls is cited as a case some argue should disqualify his work from celebration.
Lake uses Gauguin to steelman the view that some art arises from morally unacceptable deeds tied to colonial exploitation.

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ADVICE

Tell The Whole Truth About Flawed Geniuses

Don't erase or whitewash flawed creators; tell the full history including their misdeeds while still acknowledging their achievements.
Lake's rule: don't cancel great artists but also don't lie about them — present truth and context.

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Can we separate art from the artist?

01:46 • 4min

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Steel‑manning the cancellation argument

05:20 • 2min

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Michael Jackson: art versus allegations

07:45 • 3min

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When genius and wrongdoing collide

10:17 • 6min

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Norman Mailer: talent and violence

16:37 • 6min

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Voltaire: Enlightenment genius with prejudice

22:12 • 6min

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T.S. Eliot and Ezra Pound's antisemitism

28:30 • 6min

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Roald Dahl and contemporary controversy

Shylock, Shakespeare, and lasting value

38:16 • 2min

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Why fans idealize creators

40:08 • 4min

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Limits and the educational approach

• Mentioned in 50 episodes

Candide

François-Marie Arouet

Voltaire

Candide, written by Voltaire, is a satirical novel that critiques metaphysical optimism, particularly the philosophy of Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz. The story revolves around Candide, a naive and optimistic young man who is expelled from his home after an illicit affair with the baron's daughter, Cunégonde. Candide and his companions, including his tutor Pangloss, experience a series of horrific events such as wars, earthquakes, slavery, and other atrocities. Despite these hardships, Pangloss persists in his belief that 'all is for the best in this best of all possible worlds. ' The novel ultimately concludes with Candide and his friends settling on a farm in Turkey, where they find happiness by focusing on practical, everyday tasks rather than philosophical speculations. Voltaire uses satire to lampoon various aspects of 18th-century society, including science, philosophy, religion, and government.

#1968

• Mentioned in 24 episodes

Merchant of Venice

William Shakespeare

The play revolves around Antonio, a wealthy merchant of Venice, who takes a loan from the Jewish moneylender Shylock to help his friend Bassanio woo the wealthy heiress Portia. When Antonio's ships are reported lost at sea, he is unable to repay the loan, and Shylock demands his pound of flesh as per the bond. The play culminates in a trial where Portia, disguised as a lawyer, intervenes to save Antonio's life. The play explores themes of debt, mercy, and the complexities of human relationships in 16th-century Venice.

#6612

• Mentioned in 8 episodes

The Naked and the Dead

Norman Mailer

The Naked and the Dead, published in 1948, is Norman Mailer's debut novel. It is set on the fictional island of Anopopei in the South Pacific during World War II and follows the experiences of a fourteen-man infantry platoon as they engage in a campaign to drive out the Japanese. The novel is divided into four parts: 'Wave,' 'Argil and Mold,' 'Plant and Phantom,' and 'Wake,' and includes chorus sections of dialogue and 'Time Machine' sections that provide background and flashbacks. The story explores themes of power, victimization, and the naturalistic view of human experience, highlighting the brutal and often futile nature of war. Key characters include General Cummings, Lieutenant Hearn, and Sergeant Croft, whose actions and interactions drive the plot and explore the psychological and social dynamics of the soldiers.

#3118

• Mentioned in 16 episodes

Notes on the state of Virginia

Thomas Jefferson

Notes on the State of Virginia is a book written by Thomas Jefferson, begun in 1781 and updated in 1782 and 1783. It originated from his responses to questions about Virginia posed by François Barbé-Marbois. The book is divided into 23 chapters, or 'Queries,' covering various aspects of Virginia such as its boundaries, rivers, climate, population, and institutions. Jefferson also expounds on his views on slavery, education, religious freedom, representative government, and the separation of church and state. The work is significant for its detailed account of Virginia's resources and Jefferson's major philosophical and political beliefs.

#7861

• Mentioned in 7 episodes

Harlot's Ghost

Norman Mailer

Harlot's Ghost is a sprawling novel that explores the early years of the CIA through the experiences of Harry Hubbard, a CIA operative involved in significant Cold War events like the Bay of Pigs and the Cuban Missile Crisis. The book delves into themes of espionage, loyalty, and morality, featuring a mix of real and fictional characters. Despite its ambitious scope, the novel's narrative is often criticized for its complexity and lack of focus on key characters.

For tickets to our live recording with Jon Meacham in Philadelphia, click here and register. Use code TFP for a 20 percent discount.

Roald Dahl gave the world Matilda, James and the Giant Peach, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. He was also a vicious antisemite.

A Broadway play about Dahl’s legacy; the new Michael Jackson biopic; Kanye West’s attempted redemption arc; all of these have the culture asking again: How do we approach brilliant art produced by morally compromised artists?

Throughout history, some of the world’s preeminent literary geniuses have also been deeply bigoted, even monstrous people. In this episode, Shilo is joined by Eli Lake, host of Breaking History, for a conversation about these geniuses, from Voltaire to Norman Mailer, and why we should read their work despite their odious prejudices.

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