This memoir covers the first six decades of the life of Klaus Bowers: born in Germany in 1929; after a comfortable early childhood, a tough transition to being an impecunious refugee in England; then an outstanding academic career at Oxford (Balliol and Christ Church), followed by thirty-three years with AT&T's Bell Labs during its glory days before its dismemberment. The introduction by Charles D. Snelling tells the genesis of this memoir. Snelling had become aware of some of Bowers' early history, and he became determined that Bowers should overcome his reluctance and write up this inspiring tale of triumph over the "slings and arrows of outrageous fortune." This, fourteen years after taking early retirement, he finally did. A number of themes run all through it: Accept being different Accept short-term negatives for the longer-term good Be ready to make difficult decisions Heed St. Francis's Prayer.