I'd Rather Be Wanted Than Had: The Memoirs of an Unrepentant Bank Robber

Tay Wilson is an associate professor of psychology at Laurentian
University.

I was reading this book just when the Solicitor General of the United
States, if that is his title, defended his announcement of doubling
prison capacity by pointing out the positive correlation between the
number of people in prisons and a decrease in violent crime. I was also
teaching first-year psychology students that correlation does not equal
causation, and that failure to understand this has resulted in too many
people being thrown into volcanos to, say, produce good crops.

That the Solicitor General is not aware of the correlational fallacy is
difficult to believe; however, not difficult to believe is that he
thinks enough people will fall for the error to give him sufficient
political support to carry out his policy. Society has at least two
protections against such specious arguments. First, enough people must
be educated to spot and reject such errors. Second, books like this one
must be published and widely read.

McArthur has been thrown into the volcano. His well-written book
introduces us to someone who has largely maintained his self-respect in
the face of unfortunate social and personal circumstances, and who
obviously has ingenuity and drive, though misplaced. In short, it shows
us someone who should not be sacrificed, but who our society should be
able to bring into the outside world as a working, contributing citizen.
This book is a worthwhile motivator for those who would seriously like
to reduce crimes. Additionally, for those interested in the unpleasant
details of a criminal’s life inside and outside prison, including
details of his many escapes, it is a quick and easy read.