I'm the master of my own destiny.

Doesn't really matter if the world goes to hell. Because an individual can still build his own world. His cocoon, so to speak. A hideout. A cloister. A refuge. I've seen lots of turmoil in the world. Hardly a time without a war. Even two or three wars at the same time. I've seen economic downturns. And all kinds of catastrophes and disasters. I would have wished for better times. But still, I'm a happy camper. Because I'm innovative. I know how to survive. And in the process, to feel reasonably free. For instance, I'm free to fall in love. With someone. And with life, in general. I know I can't overturn the government. I can't change the world. But I can isolate myself. And make myself more or less harmless. I'm no real threat to the powers that be. Even when I mouth off. Because I don't have mass appeal. I have a handful of compatriots. Friends. In other words, I make do. I become the master of my own destiny. --Jim Broede