I am grateful for all my friends, family and for not being given things.

For being raised in a way that causes me to question and be able to question, and debate, and discuss things without emotion; to not get emotional about it. That doesn’t mean that I don’t have emotion in my life, but to listen and to also realize that – I am grateful that whoever gave me this gift – I don’t’ know where it’s been fostered, but that most of the things that you encounter in the world or you encounter from other people are not about you, it’s about the other people.

Don’t take things personally.

So, I am grateful that by some fluke I am sort of financially independent.

I am grateful that I live in the United States because it’s a pretty wonderful country to live. Yeah, I’ve often been the lone American at many a dinner party conversations and I am grateful I live in the United States. I am grateful that I am a white male because I think that ethnic minorities and females have a whole other row to hoe. Again, there are certain things that are beyond my volition but I am grateful for them and I try to be aware of them. That’s it!

Interview Recorded January, 2007