"We're not 'self-appointed' or 'so-called' experts. We are real experts. We're not 'authority figures.' We are real authorities."
Written by a scientist, but this holds true for artists as well. Everyone's got an opinion on art, and they think it's as valid as anyone else's. It's not. Sorry. A wonderfully liberating piece.
John Scalzi holds forth on the value of good criticism, and why, even though it may sear, is more valuable to the writer (or artist) than feel-good affirmation from one's peers.
Chris Lydon on a uniquely Bostonian art education, the "MFA aesthetic", and how growing up in our city affected his views on art.
The Fog Hollow Memorial Address
In this memoir/essay, Dirk Deppey reflects on why pandering to collectors has led the comics industry to disaster time and time again, and the human costs involved in the speculator crashes of the past.
On Machiavelli's "Letter to Vettori," or, The Value of the History of Economic Thought
Brad DeLong on the importance of history, the personal library, and how books enlarge one's circle of friends.