Uncertain of success, I can always say “not yet.” Anyone could say it. It would be wise to consider openly that, so far, I have failed, but I would need to assume that success were, by this time, possible, and I can always say, “Success has not been, so far, possible. If I could have done anything else, I would have done it.” Given leisure, one considers many things, but one tries not to assume. Life is uncertain, or it’s not. Sooner or later events will put an end to speculation, or they will perpetuate it. I know what I want, and I think that I will get it, but, if I don’t, then I will know what to think.
26 December 1985