I savored this piece over two days, but you definitely made me wish I’d hung out with Mamet all summer long as well. I watched his Masterclass twice, and your description of his writing applies just as well to his teaching. Eager to visit his writing now.
And thanks for rescuing regret in your essay. It’s a misunderstood state, and current culture has done a horrible job of repressing it. How many times have we heard pop figures say “Have no regrets?” Unfortunate statement…
Incredible essay, Jim. I recently started looking into Mamet's plays and will now include his nonfiction. I deeply resonate with his views regarding human nature. Funny you mention West Roxbury. I grew up in Hyde Park and went to high school in West Roxbury.
I'll be diving into some of Mamet's essays shortly. Great read.
I savored this piece over two days, but you definitely made me wish I’d hung out with Mamet all summer long as well. I watched his Masterclass twice, and your description of his writing applies just as well to his teaching. Eager to visit his writing now.
And thanks for rescuing regret in your essay. It’s a misunderstood state, and current culture has done a horrible job of repressing it. How many times have we heard pop figures say “Have no regrets?” Unfortunate statement…
Looking forward to another one like this.
Thank you! His book struck a chord. I've been down human nature ever since, and lucky I read him right after Erasmus.
And regret has a lot of wisdom for us. It doesn't mean we stew in it, but pouring sunshine on it and being honest with it, a lot of wisdom to be had.
Incredible essay, Jim. I recently started looking into Mamet's plays and will now include his nonfiction. I deeply resonate with his views regarding human nature. Funny you mention West Roxbury. I grew up in Hyde Park and went to high school in West Roxbury.
I'll be diving into some of Mamet's essays shortly. Great read.
Small world on West Roxbury and Hyde Park. I love that area still.
Mamet is a beast on human nature. I plan to read Three Uses of a Knife soon. And to do some book clubs with a few of the works he mentioned.
The leads are weak.
Classic line. Substack needs Glengarry Glenross memes.