At age 56, I remember 35 years ago, wanting to be a combination of Ralph Nader, F. Lee Bailey, and Bob Woodward. Defender of the defenseless, exposer of evil, documentor of incompetence. Got started on that path, but then life happened.

Now, I'm Cliff Clavin, with a hobby as a gamer fansite Moderator.

LoL. Life: that which actually happens while you pursued other plans.

Now, I value: the respect of my peers and grandchildren. The steady affection of a good woman. Work that seems to make a difference, however small.

And good beer :urp: :)

p.s. don't get me wrong, I'm not bitter about not having become a celebrated Nader/Bailey/Woodward hybrid. Rather, I like to think I've distilled the 'essence' of those guys (and others) over time, and try to apply that to where ever I find myself tossed by fate.

Adaptability. I highly recommend our younger guys train for it. Learn a profession (M.D, Law, Science) if you can; but also a trade (truck driver, brick-layer...), and don't be afraid of physical labour (lettuce-picker...). You may need all those in the next 50 years.