One day back circa 1980, I went to Atlantic City, New Jersey. On the bus back to Upper Montclair, I found myself sitting next to an old black man. We chatted, getting to know each other for the short trip we were on, and at some point he remarked “It’s not what you know, but who you know that’s important.” (or at least I *think* that’s what he said). In any event, it made an impression upon me as something to be aware of.