During World War I, Thomas Mann performed “intellectual military service” for Germany; by World War II, he was Hitler’s personal antagonist... more »
Lincoln was out of his depth politically. Moral hazard in banking isn’t a serious threat. Walter Bagehot had a talent for epic miscalculation... more »
Alcoholic writers are mythologized — but consider their pain. “Heavy drinking is a substitute for companionship,” Bukowski said, “and it’s a substitute for suicide”... more »