In his book "The Assassin," author Stephen Coonts reflects on his youthful naivety regarding a career with the CIA. He expresses regret over not realizing the difficult and often miserable nature of the work he would face in the agency. Coonts implies that if he had been aware of the challenges and hardships associated with the job, he would have preferred imprisonment over enduring such an experience.

This statement highlights the intense pressure and dissatisfaction that can come with certain career choices, particularly in high-stakes fields like intelligence. Coonts' candid acknowledgment of his youthful ignorance serves as a cautionary tale about understanding the true demands of a profession before committing to it.