American Paradox: The Conflict of Thought and Action by Merle Curti is a book in the Archives and Special Collections about the tradition of anti-intellectualism in the United States. It highlights the ironic relationship between how America highly prioritizes education, but continually distrusts the word of intellectuals. Merle Curti was a scholar and teacher, who was committed to the ideals of peace and democracy. He taught both at Columbia University and the University of Wisconsin. Curti actually wrote this book as an expansion of the Brown and Haley lectures that he gave at Puget Sound. Since even now, we are living in a highly volatile political climate, American Paradox might be a good read for anyone trying to gain a context of our nation’s politics and social phenomena. Come check it out!
The Archives & Special Collections is open on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays from 12:00-3:00 p.m. or by appointment.
By Laure Mounts