This 1993 New Yorker article profiles Abe Green, a man who spent over four decades as a fixture at the Beverly Hills Hotel pool. Green, a self-made millionaire, established a daily ritual of holding court poolside, becoming a peculiar part of the hotel's landscape. The piece explores Green's evolving relationship with the hotel, from his early days as a welcomed guest to his later years marked by increasing eccentricity and strained relations with management. It paints a portrait of a man seeking community and purpose in a glamorous yet ultimately transient environment, capturing a specific era of Hollywood history and the changing dynamics of the legendary hotel.
Gary Shteyngart's essay explores his complex relationship with clothing, particularly a meticulously crafted, expensive suit. He details the suit's creation and its impact on his self-perception, weaving this narrative with reflections on aging, social anxiety, and the desire for external validation. While the suit initially provides a sense of confidence and belonging, it ultimately fails to truly address his deeper insecurities. He grapples with the superficiality of material possessions and the fleeting nature of the satisfaction they provide, eventually concluding that true self-acceptance must come from within, not from a perfectly tailored garment.
HN commenters largely found Shteyngart's essay on bespoke suits self-indulgent and out of touch. Several criticized the focus on expensive clothing amidst widespread economic hardship, viewing it as tone-deaf and privileged. Some questioned the value proposition of bespoke tailoring, suggesting cheaper off-the-rack options suffice. Others, while acknowledging the potential artistry and personal satisfaction derived from bespoke suits, still found the essay's framing excessive and lacking self-awareness. A few commenters offered a more nuanced perspective, suggesting the essay satirized consumerism and explored themes of identity and self-perception. However, this interpretation was a minority view, with most finding the piece shallow and disconnected from the realities of most people's lives.
Summary of Comments ( 53 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43186050
Hacker News users discuss the intriguing life of Abe Green, the subject of the New Yorker article. Several commenters express fascination with Green's dedication to a singular, seemingly mundane routine, spending decades poolside. Some question his motivations and mental state, pondering whether it represents a life well-lived or a form of obsessive escapism. Others romanticize his existence, viewing it as a unique pursuit of personal happiness, unburdened by societal expectations. A few commenters note the piece's portrayal of a bygone era of Hollywood glamour and the changing face of Los Angeles. There's also a short thread discussing the hotel itself and its history.
The Hacker News post linking to the 1993 New Yorker article, "The Man Who Spent Forty-Two Years at the Beverly Hills Hotel Pool," has generated a modest number of comments, primarily focusing on the eccentric character of Swifty Lazar, the Hollywood agent who is the subject of the piece.
Several commenters express fascination with Lazar's unusual life and relentless networking, even by the standards of Hollywood. They highlight his dedication to being at the pool, painting a picture of a man wholly consumed by his work and the pursuit of deals. One commenter notes Lazar's seemingly paradoxical nature, appearing both incredibly successful and deeply unhappy or unfulfilled.
Some discussion revolves around the bygone era of Hollywood dealmaking that Lazar embodied, contrasting it with the present day. Commenters remark on the more "genteel" (or at least less overtly crass) nature of business dealings in that time, though acknowledging the ever-present undercurrent of ambition and manipulation.
A few commenters mention the piece's portrayal of the Beverly Hills Hotel itself, reminiscing about its iconic status and the aura of glamour surrounding it. One commenter shares a personal anecdote about encountering Lazar at the hotel, corroborating the image of him as a constantly working, highly connected individual.
There's a brief thread discussing Lazar's apparent lack of genuine friendships, with speculation about whether his relentless focus on business left room for meaningful personal connections.
Overall, the comments paint a picture of intrigued readers, drawn in by the story of an unusual character in a fascinating setting. They reflect on the changing nature of Hollywood, the allure of the Beverly Hills Hotel, and the potential pitfalls of a life entirely dedicated to professional pursuits. While not a large number of comments, they offer a thoughtful and engaging response to the article.