In this Quick Hits, Professor of History Wilfred McClay talks arts, jazz, and peanut butter.

What is your favorite class you have taught? 

I’ve only been here for two years and have basically only taught the heritage courses — so I’d say American Heritage. 

What is your favorite work of art? 

It would be a tie between the various works of Michelangelo, specifically his two pietas. I think I like the less well known one —  the Florentine pieta.  

What is one piece of advice you try to live by?

You have to drink a lot of bad wine before you can appreciate the good wine. 

Do you have any hidden hobbies or talents?

Secrets? Well presumably I would want to keep them a secret, but I play jazz piano. And I am always looking for bass players. Drummers are easy to find, but base players are few and far between. 

What is one piece of common knowledge you learned way too late in life?

Well it’s never too late — maybe that’s it. 

If you could study one period of history more, what period would it be? 

There are so many. I am unfortunately so ignorant about so many things. I wish I knew about Chinese history. 

What is your most controversial opinion? 

Old books are better than new ones. 

Do you have a favorite memory from college

The mint julep parties at Revered J. Winfree Smith’s house. 

What did you want to be when you grew up?

I think I probably wanted to be an engineer like my father. 

If you had to pick just one food to eat for the rest of your life, what would it be? 

Peanut butter. 

Is there a class you would add to the core curriculum? 

My understanding is that there is not a course in classics, so I’d like to see at least one required one. 

Are there stereotypes about historians that are true?

Many. You don’t need me to elaborate. For one thing, we really do live in the past.   

What’s your favorite reading in the Western Heritage Reader?  

I like the exchange over the investiture controversy. And of course Aristotle’s “Politics.” 

Who is one historical figure that you would like to hear speak at Hillsdale? 

George Washington. That’s easy! 

What’s something you recently learned that fascinated you? 

That the commander-in-chief of the Canadian armed forces is the monarch of England — a little frightening. 

What book are you currently reading? 

I’m preparing for a course that I am teaching this semester about tradition — it’s one of my favorite courses that I’ve taught elsewhere. And I am currently rereading Lampedusa’s novel “The Leopard.”