Martin Hackleman is a world-renowned French horn player, who served as Principal Horn in numerous orchestras and performed with many varied chamber ensembles. His career spanned decades, during which he recorded multiple albums, contributed to film and television soundtracks, and published widely used study books that have remained in circulation for over 40 years. As a respected educator, he taught at several universities and profoundly influenced a generation of horn players worldwide.

As a young man, Hackleman had a deep love for writing and was an avid admirer of Socrates, Plato, and Shakespeare. He began writing poetry at 16 as a way to navigate the challenges of growing up. However, as his musical career took off, writing gradually took a back seat.

After 50 years of performing and teaching, he set down his horn and returned to writing. Though his style had evolved, his curiosity and introspection remained—now enriched by five decades of life experience.

This book captures the journey of one person looking forward in youth without a clear vision, then looking back in later years to make sense of the path taken. It is a reflection on the universal process of understanding one’s life, and Hackleman wished to share his insights with others.