Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.

Think about it: with what or whom do you identify? We all have a vision of ourselves, a sense for the context that makes us comfortable. Do you have a preference for how others observe you? Of course you do.

I do too, of course. Over the last ten years I have been far less concerned than I was the ten years before with the outside world’s reception of me. In my thirties I was probably an insecure, well-mannered mild asshole; the growth in my forties helped me empathize more, and I hope I was more polite because of it.

I’m not sure it’s possible, but in my fifties I want to identify with not identifying: my goal is to be nothing.

You may ask, “what does that even mean?" Well, I’m not sure; I only want to hold no opinions or judgment. “That sounds like bullshit," perhaps you’ll proclaim. I won’t defend myself, there is no point.