As time went by I developed the means to generate my own wealth through canny investments. I traded in stocks mostly, using my vast intellect to tell me when to buy and when to sell, and I built profitable companies that were managed by able people who only ever knew me as a faceless and mysterious enabler. By the time I was 50 I was rich enough for three lifetimes, and with wealth came respectability: a different name, a new life story and nice houses.

But, ironically, the more I had the more discontent I became. I had good looks, enormous wealth and as many beautiful women as I wanted,...