T Collins asked Jeff Hobbs:

Thank you for writing such a moving account of a gifted, but complicated young ma. After reading your book, I returned to Malcolm Gladwell's book, Outliers, and I can't help but wonder, how much of Rob's fate was due to circumstances beyond his control. Your thoughts?

Jeff Hobbs Thanks for your question, which I'm afraid is all but unanswerable. Rob made a lot of decisions which at various turns created great triumphs and wrought severe consequences. But as you mention, there was much beyond his control, encompassing a broad spectrum of American society--an interstate being built through a city, the transition into and out of a rarefied university, or just sitting around a kitchen table with best friends, dwelling on the future. There are no firm lines that can be drawn, and this speaks to the fact that life is messy--it's messy being a person, and having a consciousness, and having values that too often conflict with one another. And it's important for everyone to realize that as we go through our days and interact with others. Thanks again and all the best, Jeff

flag