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Inspired by Leland's mention of John Adams in the last thread, I started David McCullough's Adams biography last night. As a lifelong New Yorker, I was amused to run across the following in the opening pages. Adams first visited New York City in 1774 on his way to attend the first Continental Congress in Philadelphia. According to his diary, he found New Yorkers somewhat verbally agressive: "They talk very loud, very fast, and altogether. If they ask you a question, before you can utter three words of your answer, they will break out upon you again -- and talk away." I guess some things never change. One other utterly trivial but highly amusing anecdote. In September 1776, Adams found himself sharing a bed in a small room at an inn with Benjamin Franklin. Before retiring, Adams closed the window. Franklin opened it. Adams protested, citing his fears about the unhealthiness of night air. Franklin believed that night air was healthy and that it was the corruption of the air from perspiration and "animal substances" in enclosed rooms that caused illness. Franklin prevailed: "So the two eminent bedfellows lay side-by-side in the dark, the window open, Franklin expounding, as Adams remembered, 'upon air and cold and respiration and perspiration, with which I was so much amused that I soon fell to sleep.'" The book is excellent, by the way. Don't hesitate if you're interested.
So what of his philosophy can we utilise today to help bail us out of this mess?