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
Tracy Kidder quotes about
mad computer
I've gotta keep life and computers separate, or else I'm gonna go mad.
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
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.
long enough small-places
If you live in the same small place long enough, something you don't like is bound to happen
creative territory fiction
What I like about non-fiction is that it covers such a huge territory. The best non-fiction is also creative
real humanity nations
The only real nation is humanity
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.
book organization lap
I never planned on doing a book about Paul Farmer or his organization. I met him in Haiti when I was on a magazine assignment. It's almost like his story sort of fell in my lap.
england continuity programming-languages
Continuity is one of the things I like about New England.
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.