64 and beyond

64 and beyond

(Apologies if you tried to see this post before, it was inaccessible due to a WordPress bug.) Today I am 64. 64 is the first whole number (after 0 and 1, of course) that is both a perfect square and perfect cube. It is the only age commemorated in a Beatles song that is both…

The cost of arrogance

The cost of arrogance

I was arrogant throughout my career. It based on a justifiable pride about my own capabilities. But it deprived me of something crucial: an appreciation for the best qualities of other people. How I became arrogant I’m going to tell you about me. It’s going to sound like bragging. But it’s all factual. I was…

How to judge people

How to judge people

Am I a failure? Let’s look at the evidence. I went to a state university and left after three years. I dropped out of graduate school. My first marriage lasted less than five years and ended in divorce. I was left with nothing. My first job was writing software manuals. I’ve never joined a company…