Tracy Kidder
Tracy Kidder
John Tracy Kidderis an American writer of nonfiction books. He received the Pulitzer Prize for his The Soul of a New Machine, about the creation of a new computer at Data General Corporation. He has received praise and awards for other works, including his biography of Paul Farmer, a doctor and anthropologist, titled Mountains Beyond Mountains...
NationalityAmerican
ProfessionNon-Fiction Author
Date of Birth12 November 1945
CountryUnited States of America
reflection people trying
What interests me is trying to catch the reflection of the human being on the page. I'm interested in how ordinary people live their lives
commitment years two
When I select a topic, it's usually a commitment of two to three years of my life
writing done copying
The hardest thing was learning to write. I was 13, and the only writing I had done was for Social Studies. It consisted of copying passages right out of the encyclopedia
long enough small-places
If you live in the same small place long enough, something you don't like is bound to happen
way easy easy-way
Being a professional writer is not an easy way to make a living.
design brain giants
In the early days, computers inspired widespread awe and the popular press dubbed them giant brains. In fact, the computer's power resembled that of a bulldozer; it did not harness subtlety, though subtlety went into its design.
differences progress development
Obviously, computers have made differences. They have fostered the development of spaceships- as well as a great increase in junk mail.
ocean humility tiny
The ocean doesn't care about you. It makes your boat feel tiny. The oceans are great promoters of religion, or at least of humility-but not in everyone.
giving needs haitian
God gives us humans everything we need to flourish, but he's not the one who's supposed to divvy up the loot. That charge was laid upon us
grateful writing grace
I am grateful to Stacy Schiff first of all because she can write a sentence-because she offers us her scholarship with wit, clarity, and grace. Once again, she has done what only the best writers can do: she has made the world new, again.
creative territory fiction
What I like about non-fiction is that it covers such a huge territory. The best non-fiction is also creative
writing thinking people
People say you cant teach writing, but I think thats nonsense.
clubs obsessive-compulsive strange
Curing yourself of obsessive compulsive disorder by going to a strip club is pretty strange.
teacher skills pyramids
Public education rests precariously on the skill and virtue of the people at the bottom of the institutional pyramid.