The Opportunist

To a man like that life is a game that will end with his physical death. Meanwhile it amuses him; he likes to see how well he can play it, see what he can get while he's around. It's a matter of gain and loss, calculated risks.

The thrill, if he can be thrilled, is in cutting through the amorphous mess, the confusion of others.  The satisfaction is in finding their weak spots, learning what makes them tick, and seizing the advantage when they miss their step. 

He likes to know the probabilities, prepare the conditions to suit his style of play. 
He likes the smart move. He likes the fruit of the moment, knowing that if things go sour they'll do it down the line, when all the perspectives have changed.

He likes the well-concealed intention and the graceful, game-winning flourish. A man like that rarely acknowledges those he can't manipulate himself. There are no eternal truths for him, and no sympathy for those who falter.

To him the walloping current of selfish chaos in the world is external, not palpable; therefore he has no need of a handhold, no urge to stem the flood or even ride the stream; he soars above and plucks up his opportunities.

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Doug Logan