Thanks for reading the article and sharing a smart response. I really enjoyed it.

I think my claim about work is honest and essentially accurate. For most people, work is an unsatisfying hamster wheel that at least keeps them busy while they fight to make a living. But you found a meaningful job you loved, so you were one of the lucky ones. I’m glad you mentioned the damage organizations and bureacracies can do. That seems equally inescapable.

I studied linguistics in some depth years ago, and I love anthropology. What we know now compared to when I was young is dramatic. I’m still fascinated by Homo Heidelbergensis, for some reason, as well as Cro-Magnon, who was early “us” but bigger and stronger and probably more resourceful. Humans started shrinking due largely to the agricultural revolution–different diets. And I’m looking forward to more research finds on Denisovans. There’s always so much more to learn.

Because you devoted much of your life to serving others, maybe you’ll like this essay:

https://usrepresented.com/2026/03/27/ten-reasons-pay-forward/

Best!
Eric