The Brains of Great Bolsheviks

What happens when politics and neuroscience collide? The Soviet Institute for the Brain sought to unlock the secrets of genius—especially those of Bolshevik leaders. In this episode, we explore how Soviet scientists studied the preserved brains of Lenin and other revolutionaries, hoping to find biological explanations for intelligence and political vision. Was it science or ideology? What did they actually discover? We delve into the bizarre intersection of neuroscience, propaganda, and the cult of leadership in the Soviet Union. Join us as we uncover the strange and fascinating story behind the brains of great Bolsheviks.