In truth, the degree of anyone's success depends on how often they can say the word yes and hear the word no.

What kind of dining set defines me as a person?

You tell yourself that noise is what defines silence. Without noise, silence would not be golden. Noise is the exception. Think of deep outer space, the incredible cold and quiet where your wife and kid wait. Silence, not heaven, would be reward enough.

Which is worse, hell or nothing?

Isn't a kid alive who doesn't dream about rewarding her folks, or punishing them.

The truth is . . . you think what people want you to think.

Here in your mind you have complete privacy. Here there's no difference between what is and what could be.