Is human nature basically good or evil? No economist can embark upon his profession without considering this question, and yet they all seem to. And they all seem to think human nature is basically good, or they wouldn't be surprised by the effects of deregulation. Jane Smiley basicallyderegulationeconomist share on social
Literature - novels, plays, and poems - can have an uncanny dual life, where they simultaneously represent something eternal and something historical, and this is often how they are taught in school. Jane Smiley dualeternalhistorical Change image and share on social
Not every novel that wants to be a tragedy gets to be one. Jane Smiley tragedy Change image and share on social
Oh, that sound? I'm in the hot tub, reading a novel. Jane Smiley hotreadsound Change image and share on social
An urban novelist never minds a little decay. Jane Smiley decaymindnovelist Change image and share on social
It once amused me that it took me three tries to pass my driver's test and that my driving instructor told my mother that I was the least talented person behind the wheel that she had ever taught. Jane Smiley amusedrivedriver Change image and share on social
Sometimes, a novel is like a train: the first chapter is a comfortable seat in an attractive carriage, and the narrative speeds up. But there are other sorts of trains, and other sorts of novels. They rush by in the dark; passengers framed in the lighted windows are smiling and enjoying themselves. Jane Smiley attractivecarriagechapter share on social
In many ways, being honest about 'Huckleberry Finn' goes right to the heart of whether we can be honest about our heritage and our identity as Americans. Jane Smiley americanfinnheart Change image and share on social
As Fallingwater demonstrates, Wright's genius was always specific, but also always lively, always daring. Jane Smiley daredemonstratefallingwater Change image and share on social
I think that the Cold War was an exceptional and unnecessary piece of cruelty. Jane Smiley coldcrueltyexceptional Change image and share on social