Book reading may be in decline, but being ‘well read’ still has cultural status. A 2005 survey found that a third of people in London and southeast England had bought a book ‘solely to look intelligent’. Now another British survey finds that nearly 40% of respondents admitted to being less than entirely honest about their actual reading habits in order to impress friends and potential partners.
Men are more dishonest than women about their reading (and no doubt much else…), but after seeing the things which would impress women we can have some symapthy for men:
Top ten reads to impress a woman:
1. Nelson Mandela autobiography [Long Walk to Freedom]
2. Shakespeare
3. Cookery books
4. Poetry
5. Song lyrics
6. Current affairs websites
7. Text messages
8. Emails
9. Financial Times
10. Facebook
In between telling lies, this reading list, and celibacy, I can see why some guys choose telling lies.
(Hat tip: Marginal Revolution).
Andrew Norton 
So we have one autobiography from someone who even though untouchable, hasn’t got the guts to call out the despot in Zimbabwe, a collection of bawdy period plays, a range of poofy drivel to deploy when trying to convince a girl to sleep with you, and the rest is just so much electronic blizzard. Oh, and FT.
I can’t believe that the ability to quote a few lines from Pride and Prejudice didn’t make the list. Worked for Mrs Entropy.
LikeLike
If you read the linked article, Jane Austen is on the “how to impress a man” list. It is hard to believe that anyone is impressed by the fact that you read email, though. Its kinds like being impressed by people who are able to answer the doorbell.
LikeLike
Cookery books(!)
LikeLike
Sacha,
Being from the gender who knows how to burn water I’m guessing its women being impressed that someone has spent some time to learn how to cook and prepare food.
Well enough to read the recipes (and not just the pictures)
LikeLike
Andrew,
On an unrelated subject.
Help!
While looking for information on Fairlight Gulls recently,I stumbled with glee on your recent feature in “boatsales.com.au”.
I have a valued neighbour who is the proud owner of one such craft & someone has nicked his bloody rudder!
As an addicted amateur wooden boat builder,I have offered to make him a new one which presents no difficulty & was about to do so when I read your article.
As you appear to own one,I was hoping you may know where I can obtain an original replacement rudder for my mate.
Failing that,would you be able to furnish me with photos of an original rudder & a few pertinent measurements.I don’t need exact dimensions,but as near as you can… just imagine you are going to make a new one for yourself & apply those criteria.
Any help will be valued greatly.
Thank you.
Allan Burke
LikeLike
Allan – A different Andrew Norton. My knowledge of rudders is I expect even less than the other Andrew Norton’s knowledge of classical liberalism.
LikeLike
Allan,
Regarding the “Fairlight Gull”, I am able to provide the information you need on the rudder.
You can contact me at lchubb@aapt.net.au
Cheers,
Lawrence
LikeLike
Andrew,I appreciate your reply & will contact Lawrence,who has kindly repled.
btw,I am a fan of David Evans. Being a sailor & retired aviator,meterology has long been one of my passions & I have followed much of the discussion that rages on climate change & have concluded that too many of the commentators are too ego-driven & seem rather to be playing the man & not the ball.I am not a scientist, & my BSc is 40 odd years old, so do not rate as a credible researcher,but fear that too much of the heated debate is subjective & not objective & therefore an utter waste of time that would be better spent seeking some consensus with rather than victory over those with differing views.Too much to expect?
Many of Davids,& dare I say your,adversaries seem RUDDERLESS to me.
Then there is the issue of the rudder….got to get my priorities in order so I’ll just let the climate take care of itself for a while…..I feel better already!
Al.
LikeLike