In my freshman year, one of the exercises I participated in for my Student in the University class was the Value Auction. We were divided into groups of four and given a list of 22 values. The professor told us we could spend up to $5000 to bid against each other and "buy" the values we most held dear. What follows are my results.

1. A satisfying and fulfilling marriage - I set a limit of $500 for this one, bid that, and got it. I think this was a rather cheap price to pay, but nobody would go higher.

2. Freedom to do what you want - I set a limit of $500 for this one, bid that, and lost by $100. I believe in having limits to people's action, such as rule of law, so I didn't aggressively go after this one.

3. A chance to direct the destinies of a nation - This smacked of presidency to me, and I definitely could not handle that job. I bid nothing, and it was bought for $100.

4. The love and admiration of friends - I set a limit of $500 for this one, bid that, and lost by $100. Although this, of course, would be good to have, I am fully confident in my ability to survive by myself, should I ever become a hermit (unlikely at this point). But I do cultivate my friendships, most of which are female.

5. Travel and tickets to any cultural or athletic event as often as you wish - What's the point of this? I can watch it on t.v. or whatever. I bid nothing, and it was bought for $300.

6. Complete self-confidence with a positive outlook on life - I set a limit of $1000 for this one, bid that, and lost by $200.

7. A happy family relationship - I bid $700 for this one and lost by $100.

8. Recognition as the most attractive person in the world - This is just about as unimportant to me as anything can be, but since no one wanted to bid on it, I bought it for $100.

9. A long life free of illness - I bid $1100 for this one and lost by $100. Since I intend to live to 101, this would be a definite asset, but I didn't want to drain my resources by more than my bid. I'll rely on advances in medical care.

10. A complete library for your private use - What good would this be? A public library would do nicely. Nevertheless, I bid $200 and lost by $100.

11. A satisfying religious faith - No one wanted to bid on it, so I bought it for $100. It's actually quite amusing that I managed to buy this one.

12. A month's vacation with nothing to do buy enjoy yourself - I set a limit of $500, bid that, and won. Who wouldn't mind having this?

13. Lifetime financial security - I risked $1300 in a bid on this, but lost by $100. This, of course, would be wonderful, but not critical.

14. A lovely home in a beautiful setting - I set a limit of $500, bid that, and lost by $300. I'm not too concerned, though. My grandparents own a house on almost 150 acres out near Punxsutawney.

15. A world without prejudice - No one wanted to bid on it, so I bought it for $100, which is an absurdly low amount. I was prepared to risk $1000.

16. A chance to eliminate sickness and poverty - I set a limit of $500, bid that, and won. Who wouldn't want this? The only question is in how we achieve it.

17. International fame and popularity - I set a limit of $1000, bid that, and lost by $100. I would like to someday become famous, but I wasn't going to risk any more money to get it.

18. An understanding of the meaning of life - I didn't really expect to win this. I bid $800 and won. I don't need to know the meaning of life (if there is one) to give my existence worth, so this is another one I don't really need.

19. A world without graft, lying, or cheating - I didn't expect to win this. I bid $400 and won.

20. Freedom within your work setting - I bid $800 and lost by $100. This would also be nice, but not critical.

21. A really good love relationship - I would very much like to possess this, so I bid $1100 and lost by $900. I can still strive.

22. Success in your chosen profession or vocation - I bid everything I had left, $2000, for this one. It ended up a tie, so I'm sharing it. Having this takes care of the other ones involving money, fame, etc.

Overall - I got 9 out of 22, which I consider as having done well. I'm surprised that some of the ones I got didn't go for higher amounts.