Rob, this post sums up why I'm a paid subscriber: your thoughtfulness, your rigour and honesty, your determined curiosity and your generous humanity - plus of course engaging writing about things that matter. I can't remember how I first heard about your writing (Twitter back in the day?), but I do remember meeting you briefly at an event in London for Troubled, and how kind and helpful you were when I asked for advice about a troubled family member. I signed up to your newsletter, and found the same depth and humanity and humour. My troubled family member read your memoir, and I think it helped. For myself, I have learned so much from your posts & conversations, and very much look forward to reading Luxury Beliefs. Thank you!
I have been a free subscriber of yours for a while, and my hesitation to upgrade to paid has been because I already pay for too many subscriptions and I don't have time to read them all. I just upgraded to pay for your newsletter because I so appreciate all the free information you provided in today's newsletter, without a paywall. It sounds counter-intuitive, I know. But I appreciate who you are and how you share your knowledge with us — with humility and intelligence. Thank you!
Hi Rob, I appreciate your courage to place yourself as an independent, often contra “the post-modernist narrative.” Your “no thank you” to the false food of revisionist sciencd from so called experts — among whom you were educated and against whom you bear no animosity except where they try to coerce instead of persuade — is exactly the example people need right now.
Rob, you have contributed critically important insights into the forces that shape our politics and institutions, eloquently separating the facts from the stated intentions of “elites” who influence every facet of our lives. From the perspective of a boomer who achieved significant academic and professional success, while also having come from a humble background, I am particularly grateful for your articulation of what I observed as I came up through the ranks (including your description of the NYT panel - as usual, pitch perfect). As far as I am concerned, your work should be required reading in any sociology course - and in other contexts, as well. Sincerely, one of your OG paid subscribers
Rob, I agree one needs to read books for eternal ideas. I'd be interested in your take, however, on reading Substack or Twitter. I think Substack pieces often have very good insights. Twitter also may provide the occasional insight. What do you think?
Rob, this post sums up why I'm a paid subscriber: your thoughtfulness, your rigour and honesty, your determined curiosity and your generous humanity - plus of course engaging writing about things that matter. I can't remember how I first heard about your writing (Twitter back in the day?), but I do remember meeting you briefly at an event in London for Troubled, and how kind and helpful you were when I asked for advice about a troubled family member. I signed up to your newsletter, and found the same depth and humanity and humour. My troubled family member read your memoir, and I think it helped. For myself, I have learned so much from your posts & conversations, and very much look forward to reading Luxury Beliefs. Thank you!
I have been a free subscriber of yours for a while, and my hesitation to upgrade to paid has been because I already pay for too many subscriptions and I don't have time to read them all. I just upgraded to pay for your newsletter because I so appreciate all the free information you provided in today's newsletter, without a paywall. It sounds counter-intuitive, I know. But I appreciate who you are and how you share your knowledge with us — with humility and intelligence. Thank you!
Hi Rob, I appreciate your courage to place yourself as an independent, often contra “the post-modernist narrative.” Your “no thank you” to the false food of revisionist sciencd from so called experts — among whom you were educated and against whom you bear no animosity except where they try to coerce instead of persuade — is exactly the example people need right now.
Rob, you have contributed critically important insights into the forces that shape our politics and institutions, eloquently separating the facts from the stated intentions of “elites” who influence every facet of our lives. From the perspective of a boomer who achieved significant academic and professional success, while also having come from a humble background, I am particularly grateful for your articulation of what I observed as I came up through the ranks (including your description of the NYT panel - as usual, pitch perfect). As far as I am concerned, your work should be required reading in any sociology course - and in other contexts, as well. Sincerely, one of your OG paid subscribers
New subscriber, first-time poster. I echo Sharon's comment. Thank you and all the best.
Rob, I agree one needs to read books for eternal ideas. I'd be interested in your take, however, on reading Substack or Twitter. I think Substack pieces often have very good insights. Twitter also may provide the occasional insight. What do you think?
Best wishes
Nice collection of thoughts that provoke my thoughts! Thank you.