Some children seem born with a preordained talent for mischief. In most cases, it is neither mean spirited nor evil, but just plain childish trouble making. Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn excelled at this type of behavior.

With advancing age, one can use previous experience to fine tune a more premeditated type of mischief. The end result is a greater sense of self-gratification. Graduating from grade school shenanigans to high school pranks, the level becomes more sophisticated. Taking the degree from the college ranks to the work place is exhilarating.

Some people might just think you're...