Here's a confession. I must admit I inwardly cringe every time someone posts here thanking Ray for inspiring them. The reason is I worry that people who take inspiration in Ray's work might feel they have to be that good or not bother. And since no one I can name in 45 years of reading approaches Ray in variety, volume, and quality of content, I hate to say it but if that were the standard everyone else should just quit NOW before they start.

Ray in his mercy has provided an out. So many possibilities of forms of existence abound in his work there is one for almost everybody. If all else fails, there is always Mr. would-be Dickens in "Any Friend of Nicholas Nickelby's is a Friend of Mine." If nothing else we can promote Ray's work, though I do wish people best of luck with pursuing their own.