One finds people bemoaning the state of “the philosophy profession” these days, but I never see it noted that it is American philosophy that is eating itself alive. I haven’t observed that philosophy in other countries is undergoing a similar crisis (though there may be some spillover). Title IX is an American thing (I won’t call it a law). From where I stand (I’m English) the problems we are witnessing are distinctively American, resembling other forms of American hysteria, intolerance, extremism, stupidity, mob mentality, and violence. Recognizing this may help in addressing these problems. (Sorry to be so blunt.)

I just returned from a trip to New York in which I gave a paper on consciousness to a conference at Suffolk County Community College (respondent Ed Erwin); attended my friend Gregory Soros’ thirtieth birthday party (on a boat by Chelsea piers, followed by late-night ten-pin bowling); spent time with a brilliant and brave political exile (“John”) from Malaysia at Gregory’s place in Soho (we listened to a lot of Prince songs); had a long and profound dinner with Tom Nagel; and ended with a delightful lunch with George Stephanopoulos. All round a very good trip.

I happened to watch Richard Lester’s film about the Beatles. Oh what a time that was! All of John, Paul, George, and Ringo came across beautifully. What struck me was the way the interludes of the Beatles singing songs seemed like oases in a tawdry world: so pure, so innocent, so full of life. Nothing like that could exist today. We have lost so much. I was in a group myself at the time and now think of it as a period of rare optimism and humanity.

George Soros is an old friend of mine and I have visited CEU at his invitation. I can state categorically that statements made about him to the effect that he runs a covert international “empire” are completely false. He does, however, oppose totalitarian governments.