This book reflects the varied interests of the author, a retired software engineer. The book contains family history, poetry, and essays on science, government, and philosophy. The essays on science warn the public against romanticizing space exploration, and yet propose that the government help finance a project to make hydrogen the fuel of the future. The essay regarding the Social Security Trust Fund will surely find non-favor with conservatives. When one considers the scientific background of the author - he has a degree from MIT -- perhaps the most unusual aspect of the book is the essay which gives a historical summary of how Western philosophers have analyzed mankind's ability to have ideas or concepts.