Paul Freedman

Executive VP, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary, Aes

Search every verified Paul Freedman interview, podcast appearance, and on-the-record quote — each transcript cross-checked by AI and human review to confirm speaker identity. In a February 2021 episode of The Judgment Call Podcast, Paul Freedman discussed common misconceptions about the Middle Ages. He argued that the period saw significant practical advancements, such as the development of wind and water power, debt financing, bonds, and insurance, which he said the Romans had not possessed. Freedman contrasted this with the lack of a scientific revolution comparable to that of the 17th century, noting that figures like Galileo and Newton had no parallel in the medieval era. Freedman also addressed comparisons between historical pandemics and the COVID-19 pandemic. He acknowledged that some people view the pandemic as an existential crisis that could drive societal change, but he cautioned that for the hundreds of thousands who died, the eventual outcome is not a consolation.