There much here worth pondering ...

... Michael Allen on Ambition in writers. I can't say that I have lacked ambition, but very early in my life - while I was still in college, actually - I arrived at a fairly realistic (and I believe correct) assessment of my abilities. I had a pretty good idea of what I could do and I was content to go about doing it - as I have ever since. As a result, I have managed mostly to fulfill my modest ambitions - whatever else may come is gravy.