Home: Des Moines, IA. Age: Over sixty, but younger than before. Alma mater: University of Rochester; University of Iowa. Languages spoken: German oder Duetsche.
Current project: Returning to my delayed dissertation to monograph project. Latest accomplishment: International Law and the Law of Nations article accepted for publication in a research journal. Latest contribution to others: Mentoring younger attorneys. Hobbies: Playing guitar, jazz, classical, and pop. Last book read: The Empire of AI, by Karen Hao. Recent unique acquisition: Various shemaghs or scarfs each identifying a specific tribe in the Arabian Peninsula.
Moral compass: Marcus Aurelius’ Mediations. I have been reading it since I was 21. How do you define an ideal business relationship? Collegial, with each partner at the same level of skill. What is your greatest fear? Underachievement. What word or phrase do you use far too often? It is what it is. What occupation, other than your own, do you most admire? Architects. What ingredient is essential to your perfect vacation? Examining unearthed places and unexamined lives.
What was your favorite college course? Field research (Ph.D.). What book have you repeatedly read? The Illiad, by Homer. What movie have you repeatedly watched? Dr. Strangelove. What’s prominently featured on your home or office wall? A large oak frame from the 1850s that the great-grandparents had. Besides your parents, who has had the greatest influence on your life? Cicero, the Roman statesman. What’s the best advice you received in your career? Follow your instincts. What’s the biggest professional challenge you have faced? Bringing together the different experiences, skills and periods of a life, and reconciling these within a greater narrative.
What is your big idea?
In teaching, bringing out the student’s best.
What change are you working on to effect in your profession or field? Finishing my dissertation and transforming it into a book. What change would you like to see in the world? Accountability in life, accountability in society, and accountability in government. What widely held belief do you reject? Political dogmas of the right and left. What mega-trend most concerns you? Artificial intelligence.
What title would you choose for the movie about your life? A Life Examined. After your loved ones, what object would you first save from your burning home? Dad’s WWII memorabilia. What advice would you give your younger self? Listen to yourself after you have listened to others. What period in your life would you do differently, if you could? Post-grad college year.
Personal mission: Arete, or personal excellence. Favorite quote: “Love long and prosper” (Spock).
