Achievements

In the film “8 1/2,” by Federico Fellini, the character Guido seems to mirror its author. He is a director who has just made a hit, and is expected to produce an equally successful follow-up. But the content of this sequel to top all sequels is kept secret. All we get is a glimpse of a fantastic structure, a monstrous undertaking that suggests a colossal prop. The curiosity is too much for the world to bear and, finally, after having been hounded by everyone from his wife to his producer, Guido is cornered and forced to reveal his forthcoming movie. His answer is simple: “That was my movie!” And then the credits roll.

This is precisely how we should live our lives. The world demands that we grow up, that we choose, that we settle down and fulfill our responsibilities; ultimately, that we produce our own colossal prop. After decades of evading this mad pursuit, like foxes on the run, springing over mound and ditch, zigzagging between trees and hiding in bushes, when the world has finally caught up with us and demands an explanation, wave your hand, wink and say: “That was my life!” And then die.