Many years ago I wrote an essay for Liberty Fund entitled “Why Read the Classics in Economics?” and I explained that besides the aesthetic value of working through old ideas, there was a very real pragmatic value because these older works can improve our contemporary theorizing.  Yes, there is beauty in philosophy, art, and science, and we must appreciate that beauty. I would even argue we should be in awe of the achievements of past thinkers.  But philosophy, art, and...