Not often do I recommend readers check out something in the Harvard Crimson, that Boston-area college’s student newspaper. In fact, I don’t think I ever have. Well, there’s a first time for everything, and a recent interview with longtime (since 1969!) political-philosophy professor Harvey Mansfield marks a fitting occasion for such a first. At 90 years old, Mansfield has lost none of his wit or erudition. A sample:
[Questioner] I don’t know if you’re on Twitter, but some students on Twitter have complained about some off-color comments you’ve made in class that could be offensive. Is that something you try to do intentionally?
[Mansfield]: A little bit. I want to keep the parameters of free speech, so I try to test the borders sometimes. Certainly I am sexist. I say that plainly. I think there are differences in the sexes, and I think they ought to be respected, and to some extent laughed about. It’s good for men and women to tease each other. And it’s very bad for students as they do today to take offense so easily.
Read the whole interview to learn what he thinks of football, ideological diversity, fedoras, and more. And check here for his thoughts on automatic toilets.