How and why does one become a neurosurgeon? Dr. Anthony Chiurco delineates a life in medicine that moves from childhood on the rough streets of south Philadelphia to success in a career that is as stressful as it is profoundly rewarding. He discusses his early programming by the Catholic Church and the eventual dismissal of organized religion and his path to atheism. How life on Earth originated is discussed broadly as well as on the molecular level with a friendly explanation for the reader uneducated in the biological sciences. Whether discussing life in an Italian-American family, or evaluating current topics such as medical malpractice, insurance companies, or government policy, he presents his opinions candidly and without apology. His experiences and preoccupation with sailing and the sport of rowing are discussed with earned pride and affection. Both a celebration and a cautionary tale from a contemporary healer.