Home: Dallas, TX. Age: 26. Profession: Law student, philologist, political theorist. Alma mater: SMU Dedman School of Law. Languages spoken: English, French, Hebrew. Bits and pieces of many others.
Current project: Writing a study on the Hurrian loanword in Biblical Hebrew, to be published as a monograph. Recent professional development: Joined The Foundation for Natural Resources and Energy Law as a student member. Latest accomplishment: Published my book Identifying the Stones of Classical Hebrew: A Modern Philological Approach, with Brill. Latest contribution to others: Regularly mentoring young men to help them find direction. What’s been your big (or biggest leap)? Starting law school in August 2024. Hobbies: Linguistics, philology, legal philosophy, political theory, loose leaf tea, gemology, botany, numismatics, watches. Recent unique acquisition: A massive chunk of lapis lazuli, a deep blue gemstone.
Personality profile: Curious, ambitious, enthusiastic, intense. What is your greatest joy? My son Samuel. What is your guilty pleasure? Cigars, to be enjoyed on rare occasion. What occupation, other than your own, do you most admire? Craftsmen and others who devote their life to their craft to the point of achieving excellence. What is your favorite place (or way) to spend money? I already own far too many books, and my wish list grows longer every time I look at it. What is at the top of your bucket list? The Caucasus, a fascinating and little-known part of the world.
What was your favorite college course? Political Theory. What’s prominently featured on your home or office wall? Two paintings by my great-grandmother. What modern technology innovation do you most appreciate? The internet. What is your go-to source of creative inspiration? The work of great people, both living and deceased. What company or organization do you most admire? The US military. What world event has had the greatest influence on your life? The COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent lockdowns.
What is your big idea?
I would like to create a comprehensive dictionary/encyclopaedia on every word of Classical Hebrew.
What message do you want to send out into the world? Find an unsolved problem and work on it tirelessly. What mega-trend most concerns you? The increasing atomization among younger generations, including mine (Gen Z), Gen Alpha, and potentially, Gen Beta.
What actor would you choose to play you in the movie about your life? Matt Damon. We look nothing alike, but it would be a fun casting choice. Who would you like to spend an evening with, in heaven? The late and great Justice Antonin Scalia. Or Moses. As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? An evolutionary biologist (not typical, I know). What period in your life would you do differently, if you could? Undergrad and law school with shorter/no breaks in between.
Personal motto: Do something interesting! Favorite quote: “More is lost by indecision than wrong decision. Indecision is the thief of opportunity. It will steal you blind” (Cicero).
