Despite that, you will be constantly surrounded by people who think they "know best", who will tell you to play it safe, not take risks, invest all your money, don't ever spend a dime you don't have to, live like a monk on peanut butter and rice, only go to dinner parties with white people, don't camp where there might be bugs, always keep your cell-phone charged.

Great passage.

To those people on the sidelines - surprise! - there are no sidelines. You're in the middle of the goddamn street, the danger zone, and you've been here the entire time.

This is also very strong.

Enjoyed this piece. Thank you.