<p>Hi guys, I'm right in the middle of this</a> book that details one guy's account of life at Harvard. Has anyone else read it? Any thoughts, ideas? Pick it up, give it a try, come back and tell us what you think.</p>
<p>:D</p>
<p>haha yeah im reading it right now, started last night and im on page 200 lol</p>
<p>its interesting, but honestly, it scares the crap out of me as far as going to harvard is concerned</p>
<p>.. as he "discusses Harvard's role in defining the American elite."</p>
<p>Yeah, I read it, and I agree ethio, it makes me a little apprehensive, but what I think we all have to realize is this guy wasn't the most social himself when he came to Harvard, and this is simply one person's account - and at no college are people completely homogenous. Additionally, I think that especially in the Summers era, Harvard is trying to do a better job to diversify not just racially, but socio-economically as well, something that Douthat points out wasn't the case when he went there. He seemed to also care too much about Final Clubs, and it almost seems like he resented being part of a world in which he wasn't allowed. Just some things to ponder; here's an interesting Slate review: <a href="http://www.slate.com/id/2114657%5B/url%5D">http://www.slate.com/id/2114657</a></p>
<p>im in agreement on douthat's lack of social abilities - he doesnt seem like a "chill" kid to be around lol. his inferiority complex was really overwhelming as well - especially when he was participating in "punch" activities for the Porcellian. Only 10% of Harvard males get punched in the first place! What the hell was he complaining about lol. Overall just a jealous antisocial no-game having dude, who decided to brand himself a conservative and bash his alma mater because he never fit in.</p>
<p>at least it serves as a condolence to all Harvard rejects</p>
<p>haha, true, but I wasn't looking for condolences.</p>
<p>and you're right--douthat's lack of social skills is alarming</p>
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<p>his inferiority complex was really overwhelming as well - especially when he was participating in "punch" activities for the Porcellian. </p>
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<p>No kidding. The overwhelming consensus from people who knew him (I didn't) is that this guy is a giant douche, and it's not surprising that he felt alienated, because he'd have few friends no matter where he went to college.</p>
<p>Also it seems to me like everyone who doesn't like Harvard, a small minority, writes a book about it. People love to read about Harvard, and its easy to sell a book criticizing the most prestigous university in the world. He's an antisocial outcast who blames Harvard instead of himself for his unhappiness. It certainly does not represent Harvard accurately.</p>
<p>I think that your assertion that Harvard is "the most prestigous university in the world," is polemical, and likely fallacious. In the country? Certainly - and by a significant margin, despite any erroneous hodgepodge USNEWS cooks up. In the world? Granted, many U.K. students now find themselves abandoning Oxbridge for the Ivies, but I still consider the schools to be more prestigious. I cannot corroborate these sentiments with any type of global consensus, but I would caution people from blurring the boundaries between the U.S. and the world.</p>
<p>To clarify my ambiguity The "blurring of boundaries" refers to imprecision in speech, and the bad habit of ascribing characteristics of the country to the world at large. I am not here arguing for U.S. isolation or the like. I also realize the irony of this chiding, but feel that the statement needed to be refined.</p>