Summary of "Андрей Бахметьев: Я не общаюсь с Тимуром Кизяковым 15 лет"

Interview with Andrey Bakhmetyev

The video features an in-depth interview with Andrey Bakhmetyev, the Soviet engineer and creator of the popular TV program Crazy Hands, known for inventive DIY projects made from everyday or improvised materials. Throughout the conversation, Bakhmetyev shares insights into his inventive process, personal background, career, and views on education and life.

Key Points

Inventions and Creative Process

Bakhmetyev describes how many of his inventions—such as a fly swatter made from an umbrella, a thermos from foil, and a razor from a fork—were created in his kitchen over 18 years. He emphasized the importance of practical experimentation, often trying all inventions himself. He also discussed the role of inspiration, likening his creative ideas to moments between wakefulness and sleep, similar to Leonardo da Vinci’s method of capturing fleeting genius ideas.

Early Life and Environment

Born in Moscow’s Lefortovo district and later moving to Tsaritsyno, Bakhmetyev grew up in a tough neighborhood with frequent street fights and rough conditions. Raised primarily by his mother and grandmother without a father present until he was 26, he learned early to defend himself and developed a pragmatic, streetwise attitude. He shared stories of childhood adventures like hunting pigeons and making homemade weapons.

Education and Career

Despite early challenges and being a latecomer to Soviet youth organizations (Pioneers and Komsomol), he pursued higher education and began teaching at 23. His approach to teaching was principled but fair; he rarely gave failing grades and was respected by students. He recounted humorous and tough moments from school and university, including being expelled once for a prank.

Television Career and Relationship with Timur Kizyakov

Bakhmetyev met Timur Kizyakov at the institute, who later invited him to co-host Crazy Hands. Initially refusing multiple times due to his teaching commitments, he eventually accepted. The show ran successfully for 18 years, becoming a cultural phenomenon. He left the program voluntarily, despite rumors of being forced out, and expressed gratitude toward Kizyakov, although they have not communicated since 2010.

Soviet and Post-Soviet Context

The interview touches on the Soviet passion for invention driven by scarcity and the incentive of patents. Bakhmetyev notes the collapse of the Soviet Union hit scientists and educators hard, with many forced to change careers or suffer tragic fates. He reflects on the importance of education as the foundation of the state and laments the damage done during that period.

Views on Education

He criticizes the traditional education model that assumes children want to learn and teachers want to teach, calling it flawed. He highlights the disconnect between school curricula and real-life relevance, which leads to student disinterest. His current work focuses on making learning understandable and practical to stimulate genuine interest and desire to learn.

Personal Philosophy and Beliefs

Bakhmetyev identifies as a romantic and a believer in God, though not a regular churchgoer. He shares his formula for happiness as peace of mind achieved through feeling needed and being in harmony with oneself. He is skeptical of horoscopes and esoteric beliefs, emphasizing rationality. He recalls a near-death experience during a construction job and reflects on aging positively, seeing each day as a bonus.

Family and Private Life

He prefers to keep his family life private and declines to discuss it in detail. He shares some thoughts on relationships and marriage, cautioning against unrealistic expectations between spouses.