12 Questions with Alison Simmons

In this series, we ask people around campus the same set of 12 questions. Want to suggest an interviewee? Leave a comment or e-mail us at flyby@thecrimson.com.

ALISON SIMMONS, Samuel H. Wolcott Professor of Philosophy

1. What time do you wake up in the morning?

Seven o'clock—that's different from when I get up, which is about eight o'clock.

2. Who is your favorite Harvard alum, real or fictional?

My former students are my favorite alums, not the big famous people.

3. Was Larry Summers sexist?

No.

4. Who is the smartest person you know?

Leibniz—although to say I know him or understand his work is kind of a stretch...

5. What have you always wanted to tell tourists in the Yard?

Stop blocking the pathways. I don't mind the cameras, but when you can't get by and you have to step in the mud...

6. What was your most recent CVS purchase?

A bag of Hershey's dark chocolate kisses last night to make cookies.

7. Harvard Bookstore or Coop?

The Harvard Bookstore, of course! Unless it's for a cookbook or a travel book, in which case I'll go to the Coop.

8. Where do you get your burritos?

I haven't in a while, but Felipe's.

9. Who is the most interesting person you've passed on the streets of Cambridge?

I rubbed shoulders with Julia Child over the mushrooms at Whole Foods. [What kind of mushrooms were they?] They were just ordinary white button mushrooms—nothing exotic.

10. What's your neurosis?

I'm impulsive. Especially when it comes to ice cream. And cupcakes.

11. When's the last time you took the T?

About two weeks ago.

12. Describe Harvard students in one word.

Fabulous.

Photo by Kane Hsieh, Crimson Staff Photographer.