A personal essay often includes some or a lot of personal confession. That makes the reader feel less lonely in their confusion and darkness.

I've had an enduring appreciation of psychology.

Most good essays are conversations with yourself - not just your decided thoughts but your dilemmas.

My other work, teaching, also is satisfying because I can be with people but in controlled circumstances, which aren't as likely to yield the pain of dealing with family.

For most of my life, I have wanted broad impact but now, at 72, I'm not so sure that's always my first priority.

Doubt is my boon companion, the faithful St. Bernard ever at my side. Whether writing essays or just going about daily life, I am constantly second-guessing myself. My mind is filled with 'yes, buts,' 'so whats?' and other skeptical rejoinders. I am forever monitoring myself for traces of folly, insensitivity, arrogance, false humility, cruelty, stupidity, immaturity and, guess what, I keep finding examples. Age has not made me wiser, except maybe in retrospect.

Hedonism can be a rational response to a difficult life.