Books on display

A visitor is pleased to see a copy of Mas-Colell, Whinston, and Green on my office bookcase. Admittedly I have not read much of it, but it’s the thought that counts. It, and other books, are a conversation-starter. A book collection on display is a way to talk about yourself, and your interests, in an acceptable, take-it-or-leave-it way. If we all stop using paper books and switch to e-books, there will be a downside. There is not much on-line worrying about this downside of e-books (maybe I used the wrong search terms), but there are a few articles on the merits of bookcases that other people can look at. This web page explains reasons why paper books are nice (as artifacts), but doesn’t quite make the point about books as a personal statement. The bookshelf as a personal statement is discussed in this article which has a link to a website where you can upload a picture of your bookshelf.

Just for balance, this article “Breaking The Sentimental Attachment To Books” offers advice on helping you get rid of books you don’t need.