Danny Rensch never became the world’s greatest chess player. But his improbable rise from traumatised cult child to dot-com wunderkind represents an even more impressive achievement.

In this conversation, Dr Dani Sulikowski discusses the complex dynamics of fertility decline, intrasexual competition, and the influence of feminism on reproductive choices. The discussion explores how societal wealth, cultural narratives, and elite influences shape women's decisions regarding motherhood and career, ultimately impacting birth rates. Dani emphasizes the evolutionary psychology behind these trends and the need to understand these dynamics to address the pressing issue of declining fertility rates. In this conversation, Zoe Booth and Dani explore the complex dynamics of reproductive choices, societal trends, and the implications of masculinity and femininity in contemporary relationships. They discuss the reproductive trends among women in leadership, the impact of societal narratives on male preferences, and the rise of male subcultures. The conversation also delves into the moral dilemmas surrounding surrogacy and abortion, the anti-human sentiment prevalent in society, and the urgent need for cultural shifts to address declining fertility rates. Ultimately, they reflect on the future of societal structures and the importance of understanding these dynamics for the well-being of future generations. 00:00 Understanding Competitive Reproduction 07:07 Intrasexual Competition and Its Implications 10:40 The Psychological Impact of Reproductive Choices 14:17 Cultural Narratives and Feminism's Role 18:09 The Societal Shift in Reproductive Norms 28:27 The Evolution of Reproductive Strategies 32:41 The Rise of Female Influence in Society 38:05 The Evolutionary Perspective on Reproductive Success 43:58 Social Policing and Female Dynamics 49:33 The Role of Men in Modern Reproductive Trends 58:10 Surrogacy and Reproductive Choices 01:00:34 The Complexities of Surrogacy 01:04:31 Evolving Perspectives on Abortion 01:07:58 The Dark Side of Abortion Narratives 01:13:00 Anti-Human Sentiments and Societal Norms 01:20:07 Understanding Female Behavior and Criticism 01:26:21 The Importance of Fertility Rates 01:33:19 Cultural Shifts and Societal Change ----- Quillette is an Australian-based online magazine that focuses on long-form analysis and cultural commentary. It is politically non-partisan, but relies on reason, science, and humanism as its guiding values. Quillette was founded in 2015 by Australian writer Claire Lehmann. It is a platform for free thought and a space for open discussion and debate on a wide range of topics, including politics, culture, science, and technology. Quillette has gained attention for publishing articles and essays that challenge modern orthodoxy on a variety of topics, including gender and sexuality, race and identity politics, and free speech and censorship. --- Quillette's revenue comes from our readers. We are a grassroots organisation that relies on voluntary subscriptions and community membership as our primary revenue stream. Support Quillette by becoming a subscriber: https://quillette.com/#/portal/signup Or donate send us a one-off tip: https://quillette.com/#/portal/support We made our website using Ghost, a powerful app for new-media creators to publish, share, and grow a business around their content. It comes with modern tools to build a website, publish content, send newsletters & offer paid subscriptions to members. Try it here: https://ghost.org/?via=claire91

When we construe normal feeling as illness, we offer people an understanding of themselves as disordered. This encourages people to be stuck in a limiting narrative.

The Constance Holden Memorial Address, 2025.

In this episode, Iona Italia speaks with author Nev March, whose award-winning mystery series—beginning with Murder in Old Bombay—explores themes of race, religion, and belonging through the lens of Parsi and Anglo-Indian characters. As members of the small but influential Parsi community—descendants of Persian Zoroastrians who fled to India—Iona and Nev reflect on: The rich history and evolving identity of the Parsis The community’s contributions to Indian culture Controversies around who qualifies as Parsi, especially for women The impact of colonial-era court cases and ongoing gender discrimination Nev’s work with the diaspora through ZAGNY And the inspiration behind her novels This wide-ranging conversation blends personal insight with historical depth, examining what the future may hold for a once-thriving community. 00:00 Understanding Parsi Identity and History 05:14 The Parsi Community's Role in Indian History 10:27 Cultural Adaptation and Economic Success of Parsis 15:49 Parsi Identity: Shifts from Matrilineal to Patrilineal 21:08 Contemporary Challenges for Parsi Women 34:03 Cultural Laws and Intermarriage Challenges 35:24 Community Initiatives for Inclusion 38:11 Landmark Cases Affecting Parsi Women 40:26 Discrimination in Parsi Law 44:20 The Impact of Patriarchal Structures 47:23 The Role of Agyaris and Community Access 50:26 The Abandonment of Jury Trials in India 54:48 The Future of Parsi Identity and Gender Equality ------- Quillette is an Australian-based online magazine that focuses on long-form analysis and cultural commentary. It is politically non-partisan, but relies on reason, science, and humanism as its guiding values. Quillette was founded in 2015 by Australian writer Claire Lehmann. It is a platform for free thought and a space for open discussion and debate on a wide range of topics, including politics, culture, science, and technology. Quillette has gained attention for publishing articles and essays that challenge modern orthodoxy on a variety of topics, including gender and sexuality, race and identity politics, and free speech and censorship. --- Quillette's revenue comes from our readers. We are a grassroots organisation that relies on voluntary subscriptions and community membership as our primary revenue stream. Support Quillette by becoming a subscriber: https://quillette.com/#/portal/signup Or donate send us a one-off tip: https://quillette.com/#/portal/support We made our website using Ghost, a powerful app for new-media creators to publish, share, and grow a business around their content. It comes with modern tools to build a website, publish content, send newsletters & offer paid subscriptions to members. Try it here: https://ghost.org/?via=claire91

In Hereditary and Midsommar, Aster's characters search for their place in the world—and can only find it by embracing evil.

Zohran Mamdani’s brand of socialism appeals to the luxury beliefs of New York’s middle classes. If his preferred policies are implemented, New Yorkers will suffer—and the poorest of them will be most impacted.

The discipline of English literature seems unlikely to survive the coming technological tsunami—and maybe it doesn’t deserve to. And I say this as a professor of English, who believes in the power of the written word.

Quillette podcast host Jonathan Kay speaks with Ellie Avishai—who recently lost her affiliated position at UATX after she pushed back against the school’s strident anti-DEI messaging.

Quillette podcast host Jonathan Kay speaks with Ellie Avishai—who recently lost her affiliated position at UATX after she pushed back against the school’s strident anti-DEI messaging.

Donald Trump has taken their positions on many of their favored issues, but is pursuing their goals with the illiberal tactics they’d abhorred.

Donald Trump has taken their positions on many of their favored issues, but is pursuing their goals with the illiberal tactics they’d abhorred.

Yascha Mounk and Claire Lehmann also discuss sex differences.

Elon Musk’s Mars plans are not just illusory, they are dangerous.

Created as a haven for free thinkers, UATX was the last place where I’d expected to encounter ideological litmus tests.

What we lose when the rigor of science and journalism give way to an aural and visual narrative culture.