sometimes i look at old blog posts

and am bemused at the number of exclamation marks everywhere. they create a strong impression of naivete, of a loud smiling voice with no clue about anything he’s saying. i think i used to present myself in this way intentionally, as a defense against potential criticisms. looking back, it makes me wonder what i thought people would think. did I want to be perceived as a happygolucky buffoon without a care in the world? as someone without any real insight? as someone who was not meant to be taken seriously? or maybe I was just happier then, back then, when i still had true hope for the future, and belief in humankind.