We have a fundamentally different view of the universe. I don’t believe the Individual has a lot of power. I believe the System does. At one time, I did believe my personal actions mattered more, but I dropped that belief decades ago. Most of the consequential things that have shaped my life were things I did not choose. Striving to swim against the current has mostly just exhausted me. You can’t resist crediting your choices due your good fortune because they’ve worked out for you. I’m happy they have, but it doesn’t always work that way. The military isn’t a good option for everyone. I’d never have done well there. I am not authoritarian. I don’t respect people just because I’m ordered to. I’d never make it through basic training if it’s even a tiny bit like it’s portrayed in the movies. Ironic, though, that I wouldn’t want to be in the military because I reject the way it doesn’t respect my own individuality and would force me into a mold — yet you thrived there and do believe in the power of the individual. Worth pondering that.