Privilege

First things first. Consider this my resignation from your esteemed organization. I am sorry that this could not be done in person, but I understand very well that from your perspective there is little room for negotiation. And please know that it truly does flatter me how earnestly you said that you would give me anything in return for my help; I believe fully that, if I had asked kindly, you might have even allowed me the entire project budget, including your own salary, and continued operations with only volunteers graduate students. Unfortunately, I have come to realize that there is nothing I want which I can buy with money or commandeer with power, and that there is nothing you can offer me that even comes close to the value I now put on the limited time I have left on this Earth. This is perhaps to you simply the stubbornness of an old woman with too much pride due to her irreplaceable role; but I assure you that in a few decades’ time, you will come to see my perspective. It is not true that we gain some sort of enlightenment by virtue of growing older, but you certainly will have the time to think things through a little more.