Andy Loves His Books

Andy Rooney On Why He Is A Book's Best Friend

(CBS)  This segment was originally broadcast on April 22, 2007.

The following is a weekly 60 Minutes commentary by CBS News correspondent Andy Rooney.

---

I haven't heard about it yet, but I imagine CBS is planning a big surprise party for me because I'm coming up to my 1000th commentary on 60 Minutes. You've probably forgotten some of the most memorable things I've said. I know I can't remember anything memorable.

The interesting thing for me though is that everything I've ever done on camera has been saved on videotape. Keith Kulin, the editor, has a storeroom and he saves everything whether it's worth saving or not.

It's going to be interesting to see whether books or videotapes end up being the most used reference tool. I hope its books.

Before there was such a thing as a book, thousands of years ago, nothing got saved. We don't know what the cavemen thought about caves even though they tried to write on the walls.

I love the books I have in my office. There are about 600 of them and if I knew everything in all of them, I’d be the smartest guy in the world.

Well, I don't know everything in my books. Sometimes when I get up in the morning, I can’t even remember where my socks are.

I don't really like dictionaries but I have several good ones and I'm always looking at those.

One of the best reference books ever written, "Modern English Usage," is written by a man named Fowler. If you do any writing at all, you can’t be without this. We're lucky to have English as our language because it’s the best language in the world but it’s not easy.

One of my favorite books of all time is "A Preface To Morals" by Walter Lippmann. Lippmann was one of the best writers and thinkers there ever was.

You can’t be a good writer without being a good thinker. This is a depressing thought for a writer.

I have four volumes by Charles Darwin. I don't usually like books with leather jackets but I treasure these.

Another book I treasure is "The Modern Researcher" by my friend Jacques Barzun and Henry Graff. Jacques is the smartest person I've ever known. He's going to be 100 years old in November. Jacques still has all his marbles and I hope I live long enough to go to his birthday party.

I love my books. I wouldn't trade these books around me for a million dollars. Don't tempt me with an offer though because I have duplicate copies of all of them.

[bamundy]

I have never written a comment to a broadcast before. yet I was moved to action during Andy Rooney insensitive, arrogant, and frankly racist comment about english being the best language.

I am an US citizen. I served in the armed forces. I'm proud of my country. but I was extremely offended when Mr Rooney stated english is the best language.

First, Mr Rooney proves his ignorance with his statement. US English cannot compare to a language like Greek or a romantic language. the depth and breathe of expression is greatly limited in english.

Secondly, it seems to me to be plain ignorant and insensitive to make a statement like that on national television in this county where so many are from somewhere else.

Lastly, the US is the only country where students are allowed and encouaged to speak and read in only one language.

Mr Rooney has taken US arrogance to a new height. I was insulted and offended again by what CBS has allowed and tolerated from it's broadcast staff. the spirit of imus has made its presence known once again.

B. Mundy

[gmboyles]

I too feel english is the best language. It is possibly one of the hardest languages to master, if spoken correctly. Seldom do any of us do that. Mr Rooney said it well and I don't think it's 'racist' at all.

In Montreal the spoken language is French. Are they also 'racist' in the same way? No, I think everyone of us has our own opinion of what's right or wrong, even if it is from a seasoned veteran of broadcast news like Mr Rooney.

After all we are all free to learn any language we like, that's called freedom.

g. Michael Boyles

[heatrave]

I have never written a comment to a broadcast before either. I also was moved to action by the shallow, racist, self centered comments by B.Mundy. For starters, you are abviously a classic America hater. Whether you are ready to accept it or not, the truth is this, America is the greatest nation on G_d's green earth. The predominant language spoken during the majority of business transactions is English, period. The sooner you realize this, the better off you will be. You say you are proud of your country. It sure does not sound like it. You also are a liar. I recorded the broadcast and nowhere does he mention anything about Greek or "romantic" languages, are you on drugs or something? You say you have served in the armed forces, for that I commend and thank you. How you ever survived basic training being as thin skinned as you are is remarkable.

[cds567]

It is so sad that Andy Rooney has given 1,000 commentaries, yet, he still did not know the common fact that no language is better than another. He needs to stay to learn so that he will not make any stupid and racist commentary like the one he gave today.
"We're lucky to have English as our language because it%u2019s the best language in the world but it%u2019s not easy."?????

[leowongny]

Well, Andy -- are you coming to Columbia University on Thursday, Oct. 18, 2007 -- true, before Jacques' birthday on Nov. 30, but so much more convenient.

Leo Wong
http://barzuncentennial.murphywong.net/

[stevenbookman]

It is deeply satisfying to see such a culturally significant figure as Jacques Barzun mentioned favorably to the global audience Andy Rooney commands.

Those who are interested in keeping track of the upcoming Barzun centennial arrangements can do so at

http://barzuncentennial.murphywong.net/

For a window into Barzun's world, including lively reviews and discussions of a major work:

http://tinyurl.com/2afhbl

[djconklin]

If one journeys around the world and pays attention to the various languages and their ability to express a wide variety of concepts then it is no surprise when one finds other cultures using English to communicate. English is by far one of the most expressive languages around. But, as Rooney pointed out it is not an easy language to learn.

B Mundy is wrong-headed when he says that the "US is the only country where students are allowed and encouaged to speak and read in only one language." Any tour of a decent HS (junior and senior) will find that kids are being taught foriegn languages. The difference between the US and other countries is that because we are so big we don't need to learn more tnan one languages to communicate when we cross "state lines" (our states being the size of some countries).

[ubikvalis2]

"Debussy understood that a work of art or an effort to create beauty was always regarded by some people as a personal attack." -- Art of Noise - The Seduction of Claude Debussy

No better proof of this than the comments on this page.

Saying English is the best language in the world isn't insulting or racist. Saying that vanilla ice cream is the best ice cream in the world isn't racist or insulting either.

What a bunch of nonsense.

[commentaires]

Mr. Rooney,

For years now I%u2019ve been listening to your comments on 60 Minutes and found them refreshing but last evening you insulted me and millions of other. English is NOT the best, there are no best languages. This arrogant and free affirmation reveals a hidden discuss from your part for anything not American. I though last week%u2019s defense of GM%u2019s Chevrolet logo was just a subtle joke but with this week%u2019s comment, wow!. That the producers of this renowned and respected show, broadcasted all over the world, let this type of propaganda be aired is beyond my understanding but it might explain a few things. English is certainly the most practical language nowadays and maybe one of the easiest along with Spanish for getting your way around, but the best? This attitude, coming from someone I respected a lot is so disappointing. As for me, there%u2019s certainly other channels I can watch. As for you, I surely hope that Monsieur Jacques Barzun will take the time to explain to you that Middle English from which your American English is derived, uses a lot of French words that are pronounced differently. Strange isn%u2019t it? All this time you were speaking French and you didn%u2019t know. I%u2019ll bet that%u2019ll make you happy. Better get to Spanish soon Mr. Rooney, it%u2019s easier than English.

Bon Voyage

Chris Jacques

[darkhorse108]

I have admired Mr. Rooney's work for many years. I own several books of his work and read his commentary in the newspaper for years. I marvel at his ability to craft interesting and humorous essays that capture the human condition as I experience it. I appreciate his sharing some of his tools. I bought two of his treasured books today in the event that am inspired to put a few lines down myself some time. Good Idea again, Andy!

[stevenbookman]

It is a very pleasant surprise to see Jacques Barzun receiving such wide attention. Those who are interested in the upcoming centenary celebration
can follow at http://barzuncentennial.murphywong.net/

For a representative sample of this great scholar and humanists work:

From Dawn to Decadence: 500 Years of Western Cultural Life 1500 to the Present

see multiple discussions at:

http://tinyurl.com/2afhbl

[booyaw_77]

Comic books aren't simple ya know. Even a scholar such as yerself must recognize dat pictures are worth a thousand words. And computer generated animated pictures, 10,000. And the one bad thing about de english language I've always hadda hard time wit is apostropheez. Where do yaz put de dog gone apostropheez? I stopped worrying about it 10 years ago.

Perhaps, phylosophycally speaking; we're reaching a new era of communications. A more sophisticated era. A super duper generation x to de exponent 10 era.. of pictures and graphics and "what looks good on my computer screen wmd" type deal. I mean, who'da thunkit dat america would come to grips wit its superb system being forcefully transferred and distilled on de rest of de werld? De founding fathers? De horses and buggies? Uh-uh.

De comic books.

[booyaw_77]

Despite what anybody ever said, don't ever let anybody tell yaz dat dis generation ain't a result of de last. It is. Deyz got der hardons. Deyz got der theories. Deyz got der *********** stories. And DEYZ KNOW ENGLISH! Oh yes deyz do.. enough to take prosperity and peace.. and make it into somefin? Well.. dat ain't never gonna be fergiven. By anyone..

[booyaw_77]

.. so yah. Go on.. read yer books. You still.. as dumb as ever. Mr. Journalist..

[booyaw_77]

.. deyz call me.. *** man.

[kevyn10]

Mr. Rooney,
I always glean something useful from your commentary whether or not I agree with your opinion. I think it is because you seem to be able to present a subject or concept simply. This is a marvelous ability because there is no distracting clutter.
I value this commentary because of the reference books listed. I admire those who can communicate efectively via the spoken or written word and a good reference book can show me how it is done.
The comments accompanying the commentary are also interesting.

[rajohnson67]

I received an email claiming that Mr. Rooney wrote the commentary below and I'd like to know if it is true:

...Surprised CBS let him get away with this even though he's right.
AMEN ANDY ROONEY !

Right on, Andy Rooney!
Andy Rooney said on "60 Minutes" a few weeks back:

I don't think being a minority makes you a victim of anything except numbers. The only things I can think of that are truly discriminatory are things like the United Negro College Fund, Jet Magazine, Black Entertainment Television, and Miss Black America.
Try to have things like the United Caucasian College Fund, Cloud Magazine, White Entertainment Television, or Miss White America; and see what happens. Jesse Jackson will be knocking down your door...

[bobs71]

Andy , Shalom Y'all
Andy where are the Hero Cops , all I saw at Columbine and Virginia Tech was a bunch of fat cops hiding behind trees and cars waiting for the shooting to stop . The first officers on the scene should should have rushed in and shot anyone with a gun in their hand ,
Yes , I have been there and done that in a more intense scene.
Door gunner in Viet Man on medivacs and Recon emergency extracts.

The cops in our town were called out where a mother called them because her son wouldn't rake his meds . A retarted guy .He wouldn't let them in . They called SWAT and the kid opened the door and waved a small piece of pipe at them .
14 SWAT officers shot him and the Texas Rangers said it was a good shoot .
So we have our share of Candy *** Cops here too.
Where have all of the Heroes gone .
I guess they are all in Iraq
Bob Scott
Odessa ,Texas

[hypnotoad72]

English IS the best language.

It is the most complex.

The English language puts the pronouns before the nouns. Other languages don't. Translate "I like the green socks, please." into other languages and the result is invariably "I lock socks green, please." I understand the logic in both variants, but there is something more... distinguished with having the adjective before the noun.

And the English language is also geek-friendly. Which other languages have complex words defining similar, simpler words that mean the same thing? "Dilettante", "obsequious", "obstreperous", and best of all "kitty litter"?

What bothers me is the aggregate of media programs, managers/supervisory staff, and other folks of authority that demand the simplest of words be used. What is wrong with going out to read the definition of a word? Is the process so slow it's not profitable; research for its own sake, and everything else deemed wrong in this country?

[hypnotoad72]

Gaaah! I apologize for the second paragraph; as usual I'm the fool for not remembering to *proofread*...

--
The English language puts the pronouns before the nouns. Other languages don't. Translate "I like the green socks, please." into other languages and the result is invariably "I like the socks green, please." I understand the logic in both variants, but there is something more... distinguished with having the adjective before the noun. If nothing else, the latter statement suggests the one who likes green socks wants a pair of socks dyed green. The former statement leaves no room for misinterpretation. Assuming you write it out properly the first time like how I hadn't... :)

[etheline-2009]

Sorry that I am a week late. Just want to compliment Andy on his Memorial Day commentary.As a WW2 army infantryman, I believe Andy''s comments were right on target and I could not agree more.
D.H.

[jbeckett5]

Books or tapes: Neither. Tapes are hard to random access. Books are heavy, especially as many as I like to have available. PDFs forever! I can carry dozens of them on my laptop and they don''t increase the weight a bit.

[dahl3116]

ANDY!!! ANDY !! ANDY!! I love my books, too. But, NOW I can carry 150 books in the palm of my hand (electronic devices). You missed a great opportunity.

[cdahanne]

Dear Andy,

I just heard you say "We''re lucky to have English as our language, because it''s the best language in the world, but it''s not easy." I assume you speak several languages fluently, otherwise what basis would you have to say either that English is best, or that it''s a difficult language? I speak five languages, and I consider English an easy language to learn.
I am very offended by your chauvinist statement.
How can anyone say there is a "best language"?
Is there a "best culture" then? Is there a "best nation," a "best race"?
Your statement is terrible in its arrogance, especially since it is broadcast all over the world.

I am deeply offended to say the least.

Colette Dahanne.

[pvperson]

Colette........It''s easy to have the "Best" of something. The best nation is America, the best language is English, the best favor is peppermint, the best color is red, etc., etc., it''s called opinion. Do you have that word in any of your five lanuagages or is it too chauvinistic and arrogant?

[pvperson]

Before you *** all over me for misspelling "language"...Colette, I have arthritis and my fingers don''t always do what I want. That''s my excuse for the way I am, what''s yours?

[fireceos]

Oh, Gosh!!! I MUST apologize. I think I criticized an article Mr. Rooney wrote in the recent past. I had no idea of his stature, (or age, if you will.) Mr. Rooney, write anything you like. Enjoy yourself, and I hope you are not working too hard. If so, retire, enjoy yourself, and take a break.

[moglislok]

Everyone has opinions about everything and everyone. When an opinion is justified by evidence and facts then it gains more credibility. For nearly 20 centuries the official language of business, science, philosophy and government was Greek, with the fall of the Byzantine Empire (1453) a rich history of civilization ended. There are no good bad or best languages. Nevertheless the richness of a language is based on what kind and what quality of works its users managed to make over time.
The west copied from the Greeks the way to Live and Think, most of the English words have Greek roots especially in medicine.
I believe that an opinion is welcomed but it%u2019s more widely socially accepted when its founded on solid reasons based on facts.

[messiahx4eve]

Ah kin speek an spel goud rednek wurds cos ah jest lak my heero, ole'' W an me an mah cuzzin liv in crawferd rite twix mr. bush''z outhose.

[blogthis1]

OMG lighten up. It''s a comical commentary.

[heero2020]

Andy Rooney, congratulations on your 1000th year with CBS. Couldn''t happen to a better guy.

[middleman8]

moldy dust collectors.

[jahcobi]

Thanks for the books Andy.