The central intelligence agency (cia) and nasa are both examples of

The central intelligence agency (cia) and nasa are both examples of "Independent Agencies".

Independent agencies of the United States government are those offices that exist outside the administrative official offices (those headed by a Cabinet secretary) and the Executive Office of the President. In a more narrow sense, the term may likewise be utilized to portray offices that, while unavoidably part of the official branch, are free of presidential control, for the most part on the grounds that the president's capacity to reject the office head or a part is restricted.  

glass wants to live in a world of super heroes and villains. he have lived all his life trying to be responsible for the creating the origin story of a super hero; he schemed and caused many incidents (many of them fatal) hoping that someday someone with superpowers would show up and save the day.

he knew himself very much. he saw himself as a villain of a real-life super hero story. he was aware of his strengths (more than smart enough for being manipulative and scheming) and weaknesses (having fragile bones and having to rely on his mind to succeed).