There's probably a little greater case for pessimism than optimism. But I do not rule out optimism.

It is hard to cement any relations with any country based on promises that may not be deliverable.

America is very decentralized in how it supports the humanities, unlike European countries where virtually everything stems from the central government.

Civility is not about dousing strongly held views. It's about making sure that people are willing to respect other perspectives.

I have a long-term interest in the humanities.

Public decision-making does not lend itself to certitude.

If you read literature, you put yourself in somebody else's shoes. You learn from great figures in literature.