Mel Gussow's recent biography, Edward Albee: A Singular Journey, recounts Albee's telling answer to a questionnaire he received from a teacher on Long Island. When asked what has been the happiest time in his life, Albee replied, "Now. Always." This emphasis on the primacy of the present was a direct reflection of the philosophy of one of Albee's favorite teachers & mentors, John Joseph. (John Joseph frequently reminded his students that the past cannot be said to exist, only memories of the past can exist; nor can the future be said to exist, only anticipation of the future.) A professor of etymology, Latin, Greek, & sixth-form honors English at Choate from 1944 until his death in 1984. John Joseph was one of those extraordinary teachers whose gift to inspire touched both his students & his friends, & extended into the rhythms & habits of their day-to-day lives.