My favorite things Scottish

Favorite Scottish painting: I have to go with Henry Raeburn, check out the sense of motion in this picture.

Favorite Scottish novel: I’ve never found Stevenson or Scott very readable, so I’ll opt for Alasdair Gray’s quirky Lanark, a playful fantasy that recalls Tristram Shandy and science fiction.

Favorite Scottish music: Some of you might say Jesus and Mary Chain, but on this one I am stuck by the lack of a true favorite. This list did not much sway me. Must I go with Donovan, Garbage, Annie Lennox, or Lonnie Donegan? The bagpipes don’t do it for me, nor do Belle and Sebastian.

Favorite Scottish economist: For me this is not a no-brainer. No doubt, Adam Smith’s lifetime achievement is number one. But if you actually sat down and talked econ for a few hours, I suspect one would come away with a higher opinion of David Hume. He was, after all, the smartest person ever.

Favorite Scottish smartest person ever: David Hume

Favorite Scottish Commissioner of Customs: Adam Smith

Favorite Scottish biographer: Duh.

Favorite Scottish movie: Gregory’s Girl. This movie gives new meaning to the phrase “oozes charm.”