Confessions of a New York Times groupie
I admit it. I am a New York Times groupie. I can’t help it. Other papers just pale in comparison. I’m also one of those hold-outs who read the actual paper. You know, that thing that gets black ink on your fingertips and opens up to a magnificent 23 x 44 inches – a size that is commensurate with the quality and depth of the reporting. Come to think of it, the size also provides an apt metaphor for what happens to your mind when you read the Times regularly – it becomes more open and expansive. And I don’t care what people say. The experience of reading the paper on your phone/iPad/whatever is just not the same. The world we live in is so complex, it requires, no, it demands, a broad perspective, and a similarly broad palette.
See what I mean? It’s so easy for me to get on my New York Times soapbox. That’s why I was so thrilled when Susan Mall told me she actually got David Brooks to be our keynote speaker for FedFest! Not only is this man a deep thinker and brilliant yet accessible writer, he’s also shares my fascination with human behavior, which is in full display in his latest book, The Social Animal. Apparently David’s the type of guy who reads academic psychology journals for fun (my kinda guy).
Admittedly, I haven’t read the book yet (I am waiting to purchase it at FedFest because JCF gets to keep a percentage of the purchase price), but I’ve read excerpts in The New Yorker, in David’s columns and on his blog, a “Social Science Palooza II,” and I can’t wait to dive in. So if you’ve ever wondered why getting your kid to do his homework is such a chore (there’s a charming video about that here), or how the shortcomings of human perception lead to all sorts of less than optimal decision making (see, it’s not your fault), then this book is for you. See you at FedFest!
- by Lori S. Warren, Senior Director of Marketing & Communications
David Brooks will be speaking at FedFest One Hundred on the topic, "Are Jews Social Animals?" FedFest is a FREE event for Jewish Community Federation donors. (Not a donor? Become one today at http://jewishfed.org/donate) FedFest is this Sunday, April 10, 2011 in San Francisco. David Brooks is scheduled to speak at 3:00pm. We encourage you to come early for talks with other great authors, including Michael Chabon, Sue Fishkoff, Michael Krasny and more. Information is available at http://www.jewishfed.org/event/fedfest Pre-register by April 6 to avoid the lines.
Want a chance to win a FREE copy of David Brook's book, The Social Animal? LIKE the Federation on Facebook.
