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.
Phillip LopateIf someone in my family is getting emotionally bent out of shape, I've had to learn to adapt.
Phillip LopateDoubt 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.
Phillip Lopate