I've always considered John Steinbeck as one who had his finger on what was happening, at the time (sort of a Thomas Wolfe). Not sure just when his quote was but I'm just not that worried about the "socialists" of which you seem so worried. Steinbeck also had some good descriptions of "fishermen" that hit especially home with me (as a commercial fisherman for 25 years). I know that doesn't make him an expert in all things, but he has had my ear.