I have never thought of myself as a scholar, but lately I have started to believe I might just be the type. I like to withdraw and be by myself, even turning into a bit of a recluse, and I feel no aversion to solitude. It is draining to be surrounded by people.

The worst fate imaginable is to have a job in the service industry. This is what makes the thought of getting lost in research at some archive so appealing. Archives are more fascinating than many people I have met. I like to take my time with thinking and analysing things.