Tom Wolfe: The 60 Minutes interview

Summary

In this interview, Tom Wolfe, the renowned author of 'A Man in Full', discusses the moral tone of American society and its impact on individuals. He offers insights into the diminishing role of business leaders in societal and moral issues, and critiques the pursuit of cultural institutions as a measure of spiritual worthiness. Wolfe, known for his detailed and satirical portrayals of American life, reflects on his own life, including his heart attack and the importance of relationships, suggesting that the soul is the essence of one's connections with others.

Takeaways

• 📚 Tom Wolfe is a renowned American author known for his detailed and unsparing depiction of American life in his works.
• 👤 His novel 'A Man in Full' quickly became a best-seller, reflecting his deep understanding of the 'human-animal' and the moral tone of society.
• 🔍 Wolfe's writing often scrutinizes societal trends, such as the changing values and the influence of wealth and status on relationships.
• 🏙️ The setting of 'A Man in Full' is Atlanta, where Wolfe examines the 'new southern aristocracy' under his critical lens.
• 👔 Wolfe is known for his distinctive style, always wearing white suits, which he believes helps him stand out and be noticed.
• 💼 He critiques the role of business leaders in society, suggesting they should be more vocal on moral issues but are often afraid to do so.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Wolfe's personal life is very private; he has been married for 20 years and has two children, reflecting a content domestic life despite his public persona.
• 📝 His writing process is traditional, preferring to write letters by hand and using a word processor that is not connected to the internet.
• 🎨 Wolfe's early life in Richmond, Virginia, and his parents' influence on his interests in art and writing have shaped his career.
• ✂️ He pioneered 'New Journalism', where the reporter's impressions are part of the story, as seen in his detailed reporting on various societal events.

Q & A

Who is Tom Wolfe and what is he known for?

Tom Wolfe is an American author known for his detailed and unsparing descriptions of American life in his works such as 'The Right Stuff' and 'Bonfire of the Vanities'. He is also recognized for his distinctive style of dressing in white suits.

What is the title of Tom Wolfe's new novel mentioned in the script?

The title of Tom Wolfe's new novel mentioned in the script is 'A Man in Full'.

How does the script describe the impact of the moral tone of an age on individuals?

The script suggests that every age has a certain moral tone that affects individuals regardless of how they try to lead their lives, implying that one does not have a choice but to be influenced by it.

What does Tom Wolfe think about the role of business leaders in society?

Tom Wolfe finds that business leaders play a very little role in society and suggests that it would be wonderful if they would weigh in on not only political questions but also moral questions.

What is Tom Wolfe's opinion on the current trends in fashion and their impact on society?

Tom Wolfe criticizes the current trends in fashion for leading to confusion and bad marriages, as they make it difficult to distinguish between different social classes based on attire.

How did Tom Wolfe's heart attack and subsequent surgery affect his perspective on life?

Tom Wolfe's heart attack and quintuple bypass surgery made him realize the fragility of life and led him to enjoy every moment a little more, as well as to treasure relationships with others.

What is Tom Wolfe's view on the concept of 'soul' and its relation to human relationships?

Tom Wolfe believes that the soul is the relationships a person has with others and that it is the part of a person that does not die.

What is Tom Wolfe's take on the role of cultural institutions in modern society?

Tom Wolfe suggests that cultural institutions have become a new form of religion for the educated and well-off, where they seek to prove their spiritual worthiness.

How does the script describe Tom Wolfe's writing style and approach to journalism?

The script describes Tom Wolfe's writing style as meticulous and detailed, with his approach to journalism involving the inclusion of his own impressions and observations, which he helped pioneer as 'New Journalism'.

What is the significance of Tom Wolfe's white suits in the context of the script?

Tom Wolfe's white suits are significant as they symbolize his distinctive personality and his desire to be noticed, contrasting with his conservative lifestyle and his critical view of societal changes.

What does the script reveal about Tom Wolfe's personal life and values?

The script reveals that Tom Wolfe leads a private life, is married for 20 years with two children, and values formality and tradition, which is reflected in his conservative lifestyle and views on society.