To my son Daniel, who when he was seven and sitting in the back of the car,

suddenly blurted out, “Dad, I’ve just discovered the secret meaning of life!”

“What?” I said, having no idea what might be coming.

“There is no secret meaning of life, only life,” Daniel said.

Right then and there I knew he was a Buddha, a trickster, a wise-fool—which he has indeed turned out to be.