I submitted the last message in a hurry. Had hesitated a bit, but still decided to complete it.
It probably isn't late at all for you to "finally" find this piece of gold till recently. Such things usually happen at the point you need it the most. And they come to you only when you have already realized something pretty close, when you are ready to accept it, for otherwise even if they walk to your door, you still won't be able to recognize them, not even to say to treasuree them. I always wondered if this too is one of nature's law.
There is a book by Stephen Covey, which I think you pretty much have already read but just in case, I'd like to mention here. The name of the book is "Seven Habits of Highly Effective People". In it the author looks at things from a more microscopic view. I feel it complements Hamming's speech.
Besides, there is yet some other comments of my own that I'd like to make. If you want to pursue something, don't try to hold it too tight. The bigger the goal, the easier and more relaxed you should keep yourself. Just work on it, live with all the pain, and joy. And then one day, in a big surprise, you notice that you are already there.
And you will be there, brother!
