I sometimes think that I’m not entirely in control of who I am or what I do. I wonder if something external is responsible for my thoughts, actions, successes, and failures. However, I also recognize that I have flaws like a big ego, inflexibility, uncontrollable desires, and hatred towards those who I believe have wronged…

I looked at my rich neighbors, envied their affluence; met scholars, read about highfliers and longed to be one amongst them; dreamt for the attention and love from every beautiful girl. As a young man, I said to myself, I will achieve all of these and more. Much older now, I say to myself; Oh!…