Yesterday, an associate noted that people often use a lot of words when they are trying to make themselves look smart. People also adopt stultifying, faux high-brow tones when trying to make themselves look smart. Nothing says, “I’m an intellectual and I’m okay” like cardboard toast writing. For those of you who have been wondering how long we would have lasted in the world of academia, you have your answer.

We have been alternately amused and saddened by the Lev Grossman article in Time magazine — he is desperately seeking the voice of a generation. First off, let us make one thing absolutely clear: forty is the new thirty. Therefore, authors who are in their forties are really like authors of a previous generation in their thirties. That being said, it is rare that a young author has sufficient life experience, awareness, to transcend youth and create a work that lasts. There are exceptions — Zadie Smith appears capable of longevity. A voice of a generation needs longevity because it’s