In the early 2000s, I wrote a New York Times economics column in rotation with three other columnists, including the Princeton economist Alan Krueger. One of his columns opened with a story that prompted another economist friend of mine to comment that Krueger was always lucky:
"Not long ago, I asked my research assistant, Melissa Clark, to track down a passage from ''The Wealth of Nations'' by Adam Smith. Although I expected her to consult the modern edition, she instead requested the original 1776 edition from Princeton's Rare Book Library. The librarian accidentally gave her the fifth edition, published in 1789, and therein she discovered a remarkable signature: George Washington."
Kennedy actually inherited what became The Bay of Pigs fiasco from the Eisenhower Administration (Nixon was a key instigator) but let down by both the CIA and the JCS, Kennedy’s decisions about it were serious blows to an already questionable operation.
I have a similar aversion to politics and I loved this post! It's always fun peeking into other people's reading lists. And as always, your writing is so enjoyable to read.
Joel, I think he was a pretty terrible president, and I grew up in a Goldwater household that saw Nixon as the betrayer of the Republican legacy—so my bias is strong. But, starting in college and then into graduate school, I read everyone of Nixon’s post-presidency books. They’re really, really good. Very thoughtful, very humble. I definitely came to a new appreciation of the man.
Good one. I wonder about Clinton's list. I know he was often photographed with a fat bible in his hand. But it is nice to know that the folks that make it that far (the presidency) look outward, that is, to books, for thoughtful advice and models.
I'm currently reading Norman Macleod's The Bitter Roots. Liking it so far. The publisher put an introduction in the book that is really a sensitivity warning to people who do not understand that people living in the past had different sensibilities and prejudices than us moderns. But at least the book is still available for those brave few who want to read about days long gone by.
BTW, I'm in Atlantic City now, headed to Philly to see some old high school buddies. Then I head south and west. Will likely pass through Nashville.
The Tevi Troy article highlights the reading habits of several presidents; it’s not a deep dive, but most modern presidents seem fairly bookish by his accounting. Sounds like a great trip!
Yeah, there are how many presidents? You could spend 20,000 words on them. But, as usual, your article was interesting and thought provoking. So, I don't know exactly when I'll get into Nashville, but likely around the 21st - 23rd. I'm still interested in clinking glasses with you and listening to some good country music, or blues.
Re hat, LOL. I need one of those. Fascinating about Fleming. Makes me wonder what he told Kennedy too. Not enough of the right information to avoid the Bay of Pigs or the missile crisis.
Wonderful! Thanks for letting me know the post connected. You never know how this stuff will be received. My only real metric is whether I enjoy it :) Then I just hope others will too!
“Like pinkeye, toe fungus, and herpes, politics is something I do my darnedest to avoid.“ Politics is a necessary evil that can steal our attention and focus. Sometimes we have to deal with political problems, but we shouldn’t allow ourselves to be consumed by them. What should we focus on? Focus on improving yourself, your values, and doing things well. On a daily basis, Joel Miller seems to have his focus in the right place.
If we don’t limit our exposure it can be detrimental to our outlook. In the nineties we used to say “Keep it real.” Not sure what this meant, but we should adopt it for the current times. Social media, and news in general, emphasize negativity and hence increase pessimism. Keeping it real means maintaining an accurate viewpoint of reality—which requires discipline—staying aware of societal problems, but not focusing on them. Balancing the positive and the negative.
Jackson was our first president to get a nickname, but one of Nixon's from his days at Duke law aptly summarizes his ability to concentrate: "iron butt."
In the early 2000s, I wrote a New York Times economics column in rotation with three other columnists, including the Princeton economist Alan Krueger. One of his columns opened with a story that prompted another economist friend of mine to comment that Krueger was always lucky:
"Not long ago, I asked my research assistant, Melissa Clark, to track down a passage from ''The Wealth of Nations'' by Adam Smith. Although I expected her to consult the modern edition, she instead requested the original 1776 edition from Princeton's Rare Book Library. The librarian accidentally gave her the fifth edition, published in 1789, and therein she discovered a remarkable signature: George Washington."
https://www.nytimes.com/2001/08/16/business/economic-scene-the-many-faces-of-adam-smith-rediscovering-the-wealth-of-nations.html?unlocked_article_code=1.d08.JZTs.l9owfM6tUM9q&smid=url-share
That’s amazing! Thanks for sharing the column. What a great story.
Kennedy actually inherited what became The Bay of Pigs fiasco from the Eisenhower Administration (Nixon was a key instigator) but let down by both the CIA and the JCS, Kennedy’s decisions about it were serious blows to an already questionable operation.
I have a similar aversion to politics and I loved this post! It's always fun peeking into other people's reading lists. And as always, your writing is so enjoyable to read.
Thank you, Tracy! I get a kick out of writing, so I’m glad you get a kick out of it too!
Nixon was a great post-president. One of our history's best.
I’m wildly ignorant of him, outside specific aspects of his presidency—policy stuff. I really don’t know much at all about his post-presidency.
Joel, I think he was a pretty terrible president, and I grew up in a Goldwater household that saw Nixon as the betrayer of the Republican legacy—so my bias is strong. But, starting in college and then into graduate school, I read everyone of Nixon’s post-presidency books. They’re really, really good. Very thoughtful, very humble. I definitely came to a new appreciation of the man.
Good one. I wonder about Clinton's list. I know he was often photographed with a fat bible in his hand. But it is nice to know that the folks that make it that far (the presidency) look outward, that is, to books, for thoughtful advice and models.
I'm currently reading Norman Macleod's The Bitter Roots. Liking it so far. The publisher put an introduction in the book that is really a sensitivity warning to people who do not understand that people living in the past had different sensibilities and prejudices than us moderns. But at least the book is still available for those brave few who want to read about days long gone by.
BTW, I'm in Atlantic City now, headed to Philly to see some old high school buddies. Then I head south and west. Will likely pass through Nashville.
The Tevi Troy article highlights the reading habits of several presidents; it’s not a deep dive, but most modern presidents seem fairly bookish by his accounting. Sounds like a great trip!
Yeah, there are how many presidents? You could spend 20,000 words on them. But, as usual, your article was interesting and thought provoking. So, I don't know exactly when I'll get into Nashville, but likely around the 21st - 23rd. I'm still interested in clinking glasses with you and listening to some good country music, or blues.
Best.
Nice! Ian Fleming worked with MI6 in WW2 and lived in Jamaica , close by Cuba. I wonder what advice he gave JFK. Interesting stuff. Also, nice hat.
Re hat, LOL. I need one of those. Fascinating about Fleming. Makes me wonder what he told Kennedy too. Not enough of the right information to avoid the Bay of Pigs or the missile crisis.
Right?! Monumental fudge up.
This is one of my favorite posts. I love hearing about the reading habits of presidents. Thank you.
Wonderful! Thanks for letting me know the post connected. You never know how this stuff will be received. My only real metric is whether I enjoy it :) Then I just hope others will too!
“Like pinkeye, toe fungus, and herpes, politics is something I do my darnedest to avoid.“ Politics is a necessary evil that can steal our attention and focus. Sometimes we have to deal with political problems, but we shouldn’t allow ourselves to be consumed by them. What should we focus on? Focus on improving yourself, your values, and doing things well. On a daily basis, Joel Miller seems to have his focus in the right place.
Thanks, Scott! Social media makes it almost impossible to avoid. I have to limit my exposure or I’ll go crazy.
If we don’t limit our exposure it can be detrimental to our outlook. In the nineties we used to say “Keep it real.” Not sure what this meant, but we should adopt it for the current times. Social media, and news in general, emphasize negativity and hence increase pessimism. Keeping it real means maintaining an accurate viewpoint of reality—which requires discipline—staying aware of societal problems, but not focusing on them. Balancing the positive and the negative.
Jackson was our first president to get a nickname, but one of Nixon's from his days at Duke law aptly summarizes his ability to concentrate: "iron butt."
Haha! That’s hilarious. He was probably one of the most determined men to ever hold that office.