Unfortunately, the world does not always act in a manner consistent with one's plans for it.

There are some for whom the good of mankind is their primary concern, and others who basically put their own considerations before everyone else. I was among the latter.

Only in this world of topsy-turvy attitudes could outright stupidity, such as I had displayed, be something that got me high marks. I had an amused glimmering of a notion at that point: If I ever turned out to be a complete and utter fool, I could wind up running the whole kingdom. It was something to consider.

It seemed to me that, no matter what endeavor I was involved in, I was to be something of a sham.

In retrospect, I would have to recommend against epiphanies. They are difficult on an emotional level, and they also sometimes move you to foolish and inopportune acts, which was what happened in my case.

Noblest. Bravest. What rot. There was no bravery in buying oneself out of difficulty.