Public Figure Profiles

Joel Kupperman

Joel Jay Kupperman (May 18, 1936 – April 8, 2020) was an American professor of philosophy at the University of Connecticut and author of Six Myths about the Good Life, a popular philosophical volume centering on those values most worth engaging in human life. He was best known to the general public as a young math expert on the radio and television show Quiz Kids. He astounded audiences with his ability to do complex mathematics rapidly and seemingly "in his head." He also had strong general knowledge, and was often the winner of the weekly competitions featured on the show. The 1944 film Chip Off the Old Block, starring Donald O'Connor, Peggy Ryan and Ann Blyth, featured Kupperman as the "Quiz Kid", representative of the group.During his initial Quiz Kids shows, Kupperman, who was then 7, lisped, which emphasized his youth and endeared him to the listening audience. In one episode of Quiz Kids, Joel showed his ability to multiply any number times 99 "in his head." When asked how he was able to do this he replied "It's a theequit twick." When asked what the "secret trick" was, he explained that he merely multiplied the number he was given by one hundred, then subtracted the original number from that total to get the correct answer.

He received his bachelor's and master's degrees at the University of Chicago, where he enrolled at age 16. Due to his fame as a Quiz Kids prodigy, he was bullied by other students. He developed an interest in Asian philosophy, through which he found a mentor: a visiting professor who advised him to leave the United States. He migrated to England, where he enrolled in the University of Cambridge, earning a Ph.D. in Philosophy. He started teaching at the University of Connecticut in 1960 and was made a full professor in 1972.

He was married to noted historian/author Karen Ordahl Kupperman, who teaches at New York University. The couple have two children: Michael Joel Kupperman, a noted cartoonist; and Charlie Anders Kupperman, a medical journalist and editor for Eli Healthcare. Kupperman was Jewish.In 2018, Simon & Schuster published All the Answers, a graphic memoir by Michael Kupperman on his father Joel's rise to fame and his subsequent retreat from public life.Kupperman died in Brooklyn, New York on April 8, 2020. at the age of 83 of complications from COVID-19.

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Some of their strengths

Joel Kupperman has many admirable traits.

Based on spiritual traditions from around the world, they are someone who can be described as Strong, Intense, Intelligent, Protective, Energetic, Diligent, and Trustworthy.

Strong and Diligent

According to Mysticism’s Astrology tradition, Joel Kupperman is someone who is a strong, diligent, and trustworthy person who approaches life with honesty and perseverance, but who is also physical, sensual, and artistic. A person who is known for being a good partner.

Active and Precise

Based on Daoism’s Ba-Zi or ‘Chinese Zodiac’ tradition, people who know Joel Kupperman well know them as someone who can be tough, active, and sharp, like a sword.

Courteous and Easygoing

According to Hinduism’s Jyotisha or ‘Vedic Astrology’ tradition, many would also describe Joel Kupperman as someone who is polite, modest, and diplomatic.

A person who tends to be socially popular, who loves intellectual or creative activities, who has a talent for communicating with and understanding the needs of others, and who seems to have a knack for getting recognized for their efforts.

Influential and Dynamic

Based on the Mayan Tzolk’in or ‘Mayan Astrology’ tradition, Joel Kupperman is someone who tends to be focused on spreading ideas, information, and activities.

They are also someone who is calm, comforting, and stable, and who loves stability and being a good friend and loyal partner.

Patient and Compassionate

According to Judaism’s Kabbalah tradition, Joel Kupperman tends to be someone who approaches life with grace and compassion, and who has a powerful and commanding personality. Who can be analytical, patient, and deliberate, avoiding risks and seeking out stability instead.

Some of Joel Kupperman's challenges

While Joel Kupperman has many strengths, nobody is perfect. They also have some challenging traits they need to manage.

For example, Joel Kupperman can be Self-centered, Stubborn, Idle, Complicated, Brusque, Indecisive, and Materialistic.

Stubborn and Idle

One of Joel Kupperman's key challenges is that they are someone who can be seen as stubborn and, at times, lazy.

Joel Kupperman must also exercise caution as they can be short-tempered and aggressive.

Indecisive and Materialistic

Joel Kupperman is someone who can be indecisive, indulgent, and materialistic, who can have difficulty focusing on a single career or profession, have difficulty following orders or respecting authority, and who can suffer from "analysis paralysis".

Materialistic and Aggressive

Finally, Joel Kupperman also can be materialistic, emotional, aggressive, stubborn, inconsistent, and be prone to big temper outbursts.

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