I would like to give thanks to those who have contributed to the shaping of my vocation: as actuary, Christian, husband and father, citizen and friend. It has been my privilege to have worked with many competent, committed, and compassionate people, and been able to call many of them friends. C. S. Lewis, in his Four Loves, writes:
In a good friendship, each member feels humility towards all the rest. He sees that they are splendid and counts himself lucky to be among them … The ancients saw it (friendship) as the happiest and most human of loves; the crown of life, and the school of virtue (1977, 77).
In particular, I thank those who have encouraged me in various ways to write for conferences and journals. Especially valuable have been those who have given feedback that has spurred me to read more and address the process of mental accommodation necessary both for understanding and clarity of expression. If my ongoing shortcomings in these are too evident in this book, I can only plead some progress from the earlier attempts listed in the bibliography. From those who have spurred me, Rob Thomson, who supervised my PhD and commented in detail on an earlier draft of this book must be given first place, but Rob Rusconi, Mickey Lowther, and Piet de Jongh have also made particular contributions or interventions. Mary Gentile, a wise and gentle editor, and Rob Zwettler provided the encouragement of a contract to write the book.
Jane my wife, best friend, editor, and critic, those who have been part of small Christian fellowship groups, and many colleagues and fellow actuaries, have been a source of encouragement and support. Rob Thomson, Roger Donbavand, Nick Hudson, Paul Oslington, and my sons and daughters-in-law, Robert, Jess, John, Bec, Michael, and Jacqui have also commented helpfully on earlier drafts—thank you.