Credo

Sometimes, particularly when I am being excessively cynical, I am asked just what I actually believe in. Since today I am beginning my forty-eighth year among you, this seems an appropriate time as any to indulge in a little introspection and list-making. So allow me to offer my apologies in advance to both Crash Davis and a marvelous NPR project.

I believe in absolute freedom of self-expression, without limits. I also believe in taking responsibility for your self-expression.

It is possible to hold strong opinions without being an ass, but it's too much work for most people.

I believe we are born to leave our bodies, and seek transcendence wherever we can find it. Some find it in religion, in the immersive power of art, in pushing physical limits, in technological enhancement, or through altered perception. While achieving that momentary transcendence is good, sometimes the quest is better.

Each person has the potential for greatness, if society doesn't beat it out of them first.

Similarly, I believe that we are all creative people, but most have been convinced by television that unless you can make a living at it, it doesn't count.

I believe in strong coffee, real sugar, dark rum, red meat, free love, and butter. I clearly don't believe in living forever.

The old-style Crayola 64 crayon box with the sharpener on the back is one of the greatest inventions ever, but the 96 crayon box is too much of a good thing.

I believe humanity will never achieve utopia, but failing to try is the greatest crime of all.

I believe we have an obligation to help those less fortunate, and that those who have the most to give should give the most to those who have not.

As clichéd as it may be, I believe in the transformative power of love. However, it isn't a controllable transformation, so be prepared for the changes.

I do not believe in predestination, although I do believe in destiny. We are inextricably caught up in the movement of the invisible brass clockworks around us, and to understand the mechanics behind the universal tick is to achieve illumination.

Language is the tool that shapes the world. Use your power wisely.

These beliefs have served me well for a few years now. Let's see if they continue to hold up.