(p. 243) “It is hardly possible to take very seriously any of the professoriate all of the time or most of them most of the time. They commonly are fearful, hesitant, and foolish when confronted by complex real issues and aggressive enemies, but they tend to screech, snarl, and spit when they perceive their territory, reputation, and perquisites to be threatened. They can pose as being valiant and principled, but they are inclined to disperse and camouflage themselves upon hearing the first volleys of significant battle.”
Source:
Distinguished UCLA economist William R. Allen from an interview with Daniel B. Klein as quoted in:
Taylor, Timothy. “Recommendations for Further Reading.” Journal of Economic Perspectives 25, no. 1 (Winter 2011): 239-46.
For the full article/interview, see:
Allen, William R. “A Life among the Econ, Particularly at UCLA.” Econ Journal Watch 7, no. 3 (September 2010): 205-34.