If I had more time. . .

If I had more time nowadays, I would be playing more Civilization 4.


I wouldn't be finishing my second paper, and beginning work on my Book Chapter on Drosophila innate immune systems mechanism for recognizing pathogens. I wouldn't be chasing down references, beginning to worry about jobs, thinking about my future, and writing frantically. I wouldn't be facing writers block, and finding myself unable to write the simplest technical sentence, paralysed by an editorial mind that finds nothing written good enough. I would be taking my Settler, and founding a mighty capital city near a river.

Then, I'd get some warriors and scouts and start exploring the nearby terrain. I'd be building on farms one every irrigated area, roads to resources, mines, and other improvements. I'd focus on infrastructure and science, while I just maintain enough military might to deter other neighbouring civilizations from attacking me. I'd inadvertently found a couple of religions, and not having played civ 4 before, not know what to do with the missionaries. . .and not convert my neighbours to my religion effectively. After expanding my borders and focussing on education and diplomacy, trade, and creating good infrastructure within my borders, I'd be a mighty civilization. I'd be churning out great artists, engineers, and scientists who'd usher my civilization into a Golden Age. Being a peace loving nation, I'd embrace a representative emancipated type of government, with free market values. . . which would make my government extremely wealthy. So I can afford to keep upgrading my military to continue to be an effective deterrent to agressive neighbours. In time, I'd embrace environmentalism and embrace Conservationism and pass UN resolutions using diplomatic maneuverings, to convince everyone to adopt a sustainable developmental goal.

I'd found an empire that's a beacon of freedom, democracy, and possibility in the world. I'd trade with everyone, discourage conflict, and be a force for peace in the World. My people would love me, and celebrate with fireworks over half of my cities.

But I don't have time. Because I am busy trying to graduate.