Gary Wolfram running the Wild Bill Lundberg race on Hillsdale’s campus in 2006. Courtesy | Gary Wolfram

In this Quick Hits, Professor of Political Economy Gary Wolfram talks music, clears up the rumor that he’s a hippie, and gives his opinion on artificial intelligence.

What is the fastest race you have ever run?

I ran a marathon in 2 hours, 25 minutes and missed the Olympic trials by 1 minute.

What is the best concert you’ve ever attended?

The Who at the Winterland Ballroom music venue in San Francisco in 1973.

Is Professor Pongracic a good guitar player?

Yes, very good.

What is one song, artist, or album that does not get enough appreciation? 

“Layla and Other Love Songs,” by Derek and the Dominos.

What is a band or artist you have recently discovered?

Randall King.

Are you responsible for mustaches coming back in style?

I believe so.

What is your dream vacation? 

Going to the Goderich Celtic Roots Festival in Goderich, Ontario, with my grandchildren.

What is one of your favorite college memories?

Running a cross-country meet for University of California, Santa Barbara at Berkeley in 1969 on the weekend of the Altamont Festival.

The festival was a counterculture rock concert, which some would call “Woodstock West,” and was known for numerous deaths which occurred during the concert. 

If you could take any class at Hillsdale, what would it be? 

Mike Clark’s Behavioral Economics.

Are you a hippie?

Not a hippie, although Dr. Arnn calls me one.

What is your favorite movie?

“The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly”

Who do you consider to be the most influential person in your life?

My dad.

What is one piece of life advice you would give to Hillsdale students?

Believe in yourself and trust in God.

The Beatles or The Rolling Stones?

Stones.

What is the most recent book you have read?

“Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike,” by Phil Knight.

If you had to have a motto, what would it be? 

All roads lead to the same place, just some take longer than others.

What are your thoughts on Artificial Intelligence? Is it more friend or foe?

One interesting question is how it may be used to affect a political debate. I don’t know enough about it to know how big a foe it might be.