Friday, October 16, 2009

My favorite Economist and a Librarian in 1909



I am reading the biography of my favorite economist Joseph Schumpeter by Thomas k. McCraw. Schumpeter is famous for coining the term "Creative Destruction" ; pointing out the importance of innovation in economics; pointing out how capitalism relies on banker creating money out of nothing, and popularizing the role of the Entrepreneurs in economics.

But this post is not about Economics but about a duel between Schumpeter and a Librarian.
Schumpeter's students complained to him that the librarian forbade them to check out books he had assigned them. After hearing this he goes to the Library and insulted the librarian.
The librarian having his personal character questioned challenges Schumpeter to a duel.

"Neither had great skill with swordmanship. But after much clumsy clashing
of metal... the blade of one hacked a small slice in the shoulder of the
other. The appearance of blood brought ...an end to the duel."

The Librarian lost the duel but was able to leave the field having defended his honor, and the students were able to check out the assigned books.
This happened in 1909. That was 100 years ago. I think we should recreate this event at Rio Hondo.




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