Mens et Mania

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A memoir of life at MIT, detailing experiences from leading the Department of Linguistics and Philosophy to engaging with student protesters. Upon arriving in 1977, Jay Keyser felt immediately at home, likening his introduction to MIT as a fish discovering water. He recounts vivid interactions, such as a colleague passionately discussing dark matter and Noam Chomsky humorously referring to him as boss. Keyser shares his more than thirty years of academic and administrative adventures, including his roles as department head, Associate Provost, and Special Assistant to the Chancellor. He navigated various challenges, from managing department budgets to addressing student grievances, including controversies over film screenings and anti-apartheid protests. Keyser reflects on a visiting Japanese delegation's shock at the department's disrepair, Chomsky's quip about their motto, and a dramatic incident involving a student contemplating suicide. He also highlights the unique bond between faculty and students, noting that faculty often see students as reflections of their younger selves. As he considers retirement, he quotes Groucho Marx, emphasizing the bittersweet nature of leaving. Keyser's entertaining and insightful memoir captures the essence of MIT, making readers appreciate his enduring connection to the institution.