Yes, if you want to criticize me, I am an arrogant, discriminating, polymathic,

Yes, if you want to criticize me, I am an arrogant, discriminating, polymathic, elitist, cultured, artistic, snob – but one that despite depression era parents and grandparents, was raised with sufficient Noblesse Oblige to avoid the defects of the proud, effete, intolerant, and petty; to appreciate and honor my betters; and to use my achievements, and advantages of birth, for the benefit of my people – and other peoples should they wish to make use of it. I know of no better strategy to adopt that would not result in the production of false signals, to accumulate false status, by the deception of others. It is, in fact, an ascetic and skeptical personal philosophy: Truth is truth is truth. It is just a personal philosophy that takes more intellectual and emotional courage(‘guts’) than all but a few can handle. So, be careful how you criticize me. Because I can look in the mirror. But can you? If not I will make you.