Friday, March 8, 2013

Notes on a scholarly text

I'm by no means an expert on modern economics, but shortly before his death in 2006 I had the opportunity to hear John Kenneth Galbraith speak, perhaps more cogently, compellingly and persuasively on this topic than anyone I have ever heard speak, on any topic, before or since.  It's hard to explain how he was able to make such a dry and dusty subject so interesting, especially to a lay person like myself.  But bear in mind that through his entire presentation, Mr. Galbraith was naked, covered in jam and wearing a Hello Kitty mask.  Keep in mind also that his comments were presented on a cross-town L train at approximately 4:15 on a Saturday morning, and that frankly, I'm not entirely sure it was really John Kenneth Galbraith at all, or for that matter, that Jesus has any direct impact on the consumer price index.  In fact, I was sort of drunk at the time.  Actually – you know what?  Just forget I said anything.  I don't know what the hell I was thinking about.  Sorry.