It’s taken me three dozen years to get here, but I finally know what I value the most in this world.

It’s not respect, although I enjoy that immensely and it’s definitely high on my list.

Not money – I’d like enough to never have to think about it again, but no more.

Fame is out. If I ever get famous I will do it anonymously, using a pseudonym, after faking my own death. I don’t want the attention.

Power? I have more than I need. If I ever figure out how to properly wield what I possess, perhaps I shall look for more.

Time. That’s what I want.

I want to stockpile time like Jeff Bezos stockpiles money. I want to trade goods and services for time.

I want time to sit and ponder, time to let myself catch up to myself. I want time with my loved ones, time with my friends, time to meet and appreciate new friends.

Time to explore – not just places, but concepts and techniques and theories and mysteries and the vast inner workings of my mind.

When my mother was dying two years ago, I flew out to see her. I sat beside her, just being, for the better part of a week. It was time well-spent.

We will always want more time, I think. I know I will.

Like everything else, time is a limited resource. But it’s the resource I value the most.

For me, success will look like time. Time I owe to no one.