I have never read the works of Frank McCourt (author of popular books like Angela’s Ashes), but because he often graced my media staples like NPR, i had learned to appreciate and enjoy his take on America’s decadent persona. It is sad to see him and his insight go. He really put old cranky dudes like Andy Rooney to shame. I didn’t see his schtick reflect longing for the american idea of yesteryear (born in brooklyn, he grew up destitute in Ireland), but more of an indictment of materialism and its promise of easy joy.

Here is an interview i heard on NPR’s Studio 360 from McCourt on his ideas on how Americans raise their children. It’s a great listen:

Suffering, an integral part of living, shouldn’t be the goal to life and it definitely  shouldn’t be fetishized so much that it defines our lives. But, the conditions of the Depression and the poverty of McCourt’s Ireland can teach us that we can defer gratification and develop will power.  That can be very valuable lessons for both children and adults.

It reminds me of an mini segment of Radiolab on a longtime experiment called Mischel’s Marshmallows. these are far from conclusive statements on the importance of developing will power from success, but it’s rather interesting when you think of how America currently grapples with it. Take a listen. AND besides the great Abumrad Krulwich duo, Jonah Lehrer pops in to say many smart things. What do you think this says about how America moves past the end of the 80s (20 years way too late)?

Radiolab’s Mischel’s Marshmallows.