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Jeremy Paxman sets a university challenge: Learn your Bible
Tim Ross, Education Correspondent10 Aug 2010
Britain's brightest students have lost touch with classics and the Bible, according to Jeremy Paxman.
But the University Challenge host praised the current generation of contestants for their “life-affirming” mastery of other subjects such as
science and computing.
He dismissed sneering attitudes that portray clever students as “nerdy” and the acquisition of knowledge as “elitist”, asking: “Why are we embarrassed by the idea that people know things? It's not a conspiracy against the ignorant. Knowing things is good.”
The broadcaster, who began presenting University Challenge 16 years ago, told Radio Times: “It's interesting to see how, as years go by, they [contestants] know less and less about classics and the Bible, and more and more about science and computing.
“I am really, really impressed by them. Simply to get as far as taking part involves a lot of selection.”
The 60-year-old said young people find it easier to give quick answers, even though older contestants should know more: “The lowest score in recent years came from a team of MPs.
"Knowledge does stick to you as you get older, but the speed of retrieval definitely slows. You should know more at 40 than at 20, but can you retrieve it?”
Reader views (7)
My father and I play University Challenge every week. We started when I was around 11 years old and I am now 15. I have noticed that over the year as I have gained much more knowledge I have not only caught up with my dad but as he has got older his speed of retrieval has got a lot slower. Mr Paxman has a point and I believe he is a fantastic host and his caustic looks at the desperate answers of flailing keep me entertained every week.
- Megan, Mirfield, West Yorkshire, 22/08/2011 23:17
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At last someone is speaking sense. Young people nowadays are not taught the classics as we were because "they are too difficult", as I was once told by an educationalist. Likewise the Bible, which every child used to know at least in part. Society is the poorer for this lack of knowledge, and as far as the Bible is concerned, I believe the lack of knowledge of its teachings has contributed greatly to the decline in standards of morality and the upsurge in anti-social behaviour, among other things.
- Mrs S Wilson, Tandragee N Ireland, 14/08/2010 16:30
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Nowan - the gospels are worth reading, whether you think that Jesus was the son of God, or just a well-meaning bloke who lived two thousand years ago. The world would be a better place if fewer people claimed to be Christians, and more people lived as Christ would have wished.
BTW I am a member of no church and no religion. I hope that the above explains why.
- Nigel, London, 10/08/2010 16:13
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Jeremy Paxman can go and boil his head. The head hypocrite and his cronies at the catholic primary school I went to tried to ram this "learn your bible" drivel down our throats - so no more!
- Nowan, London, 10/08/2010 15:22
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"Knowing things is good."
I'd like to know how many millions you are paid.
- I'm an idiot from, Purley, 10/08/2010 14:59
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I agree Rod.
It's easy to be derisive and condescending to contestants with the answers written down in front of you !
- Huggy, Cumbernauld Scotland, 10/08/2010 14:13
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I want to see Paxman as a contestant, and see how he does. Do it for charity and make us all laugh!
- Rod, Epping UK, 10/08/2010 13:21
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