I know lawyers and I'm not impressed: what’s worse is that lawyers become judges. I know doctors and I'm not impressed: doctors become sanctimonious elitists. I know scientists and I'm not impressed; most are neither creative nor intuitive. Though I know accountants, I don’t know any economists but I don’t know any witches either. From my intimate experience with so many respected professions that turn out to be less than impressive, I suspect all professions are that way because people aren’t very impressive either.

On-the-other-hand, why are all the characters in books, television & movies so impressive? The protagonists are more intelligent, charming & handsome than anyone I personally know, and the villains are stupendously cultured, clever & persistent. It’s as if the only impressive people are imaginary, created by writers, but I know writers and I’m not impressed.